Pelican tooth extractor, circa 1750 C017 / 8389
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Pelican tooth extractor, circa 1750 C017 / 8389
Pelican tooth extractor, made of steel with screw adjustment. These were an early type of dental forceps, so named due to their claw which was thought to resemble a pelicans beak. Tooth extraction is the earliest known dental procedure, it was used as a last-resort cure for toothache. Pelican extractors originated in the fourteenth century and by the 1500s they had become the most popular tool for tooth-drawing amongst barber surgeons and practitioners. No two alike, each Pelican extractor would have been individually designed to order. This example is continental and dates from around 1750
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9212081
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1700s 1750 1750s 18th Century Antique Continent Continental Dental Dentistry Eighteenth Century Extract Extraction Forceps Instrument Instruments Mainland Pelican Teeth Tool Tools Tooth Extractor
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable piece of dental history - the Pelican tooth extractor, dating back to circa 1750. Crafted from steel with a screw adjustment, this early type of dental forceps earned its name due to its claw-like design resembling the beak of a pelican. Tooth extraction, known as the oldest recorded dental procedure, was considered a last-resort remedy for excruciating toothaches. Originating in the fourteenth century and gaining popularity among barber surgeons and practitioners by the 1500s, each Pelican extractor was custom-made to order, making them unique works of art in their own right. This particular example hails from continental Europe and provides us with an insight into dentistry practices during the eighteenth century. Against an off-white background, this antique instrument stands as a testament to both European craftsmanship and historical advancements in dentistry. Its presence evokes curiosity about how our ancestors coped with oral health issues before modern techniques emerged. As we gaze upon this intriguing artifact, we are reminded that it is not just an ordinary tool but rather a window into our past - shedding light on centuries-old traditions surrounding teeth extraction on mainland Europe. Let us appreciate this relic's significance within the broader context of dental history while marveling at its intricate design and enduring legacy.
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