Bloodletting
Following the application of a tourniquet, physicians withdrew blood using a number of instruments including a thumb lancet that might be carried in a small case, a single bladed spring-loaded lancet, or perhaps a multiple bladed scarificator. Fleams were knives containing blades of varying size, one of which was held over a vein and then struck with a fleam stick, a method preferred by veterinarians. Blood was collected in bleeding/barbers bowls, which were containers that sometimes had rings to measure the amount of blood withdrawn in ounces (a distinguishing feature from the rather common nineteenth century porringers).