The fleam on the right was made by Long, under Weiss's patent of 1828, between 1830-1837. The spring steel fleam on the left was made by John Weiss of London between 1823-1828. Fleams are a type of folding lancet. They were very popular, from the beginning of the 18th century onwards, for making the incision into the vein of an animal for blood letting, which was particularly common in horses. A bloodstick was used to strike the back of the fleam to force the blade into the vein.

Picture Reference: 10287472
Subject: MEDICINE & HEALTH > Veterinary Medicine > Veterinary Equipment
Inventory No.: 1986-0415;1984-1707
Credit: Science Museum

Keywords: 1780-1818, 1800s, 19th Century, Animal, Blood, Blood Letting, Equipment, Europe, Fleam, Horse, Incisions, Industrial Revolution, Letting, Long, Medical, Medicine, Medicine, Medication, Medical Science, Natural World, Pharmacology, Science, Spring, Spring Fleams, Surgery, Uk, United Kingdom, Veterinary, Veterinary Equipment, Veterinary Surgery, Weiss, John

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