A Gruesome Relic of Medical History
This early 20th-century tonsil guillotine, a product of the J.F. Hartz Co., is a chilling reminder of the often brutal methods employed in early medical practices. Designed to remove tonsils in a single, swift motion, this instrument was a testament to the era's reliance on crude, often painful procedures.
The guillotine's inherent dangers, including excessive blood loss and the risk of incomplete removal, ultimately led to its abandonment. Yet, this relic serves as a stark contrast to the advanced surgical techniques of today, highlighting the significant progress made in medical science.