MEDICAIi PBACTICES AND SLTPEIiSTITIONS OF KOKDOFAN 
313 
:rt 
SuUCJK^AI, Instuumknts 
Plato XLiri 
The following are the more universally omployocl surgical insti-uments and appliances 
in Kordofan. 
1. FA Saheha. A snare, simply constructed from a piece of dry dura (millet) stalk, 
about G inches to 9 inches long and a stout 
giraffe tail hair. One end of the hair is 
firmly bound to an extremity of the stalk, its 
free length being then looped back and passed 
through a perforation, traversing the stalk 
obliquely from the centre of its extremity 
to a point 1 or 2 inches lower down, where 
it emerges to be used as a tightening string. 
It is emjjloyed to catch and draw forward the uvula, for excision with a knife or 
pair of scissors. A sharp-pointed iron hook (Ishfa) may be used for the same purpose. 
(Fig. 88.) 
2. El Samaudia. A narrow length of iron about six inches long, fashioned as a forceps 
at one end and as a scalpel or 
probe at the other. It is used 
for all minor operations, such as 
blood-letting, scarring, opening 
abscesses, removing thorns, etc. 
Two such, together with a 
long native needle, are frequently 
carried in the sheath of the 
Kordofan knife, ready in case of 
necessity. (Fig. 86.) 
There is another variety armed with a blade at either end. (Fig. 81, C.) 
3. El Laijat. Somewhat similar to the samaudia, being provided with a forceps at one 
end, while at the other there is a double 
prong instead of a single point. This prong 
is used to remove dead tissue and to stimu¬ 
late and freshen dirty or granulating surfaces. 
(Fig. 82.) 
4. El h’l-isha. A short scalpel with a small acutely pointed blade, which is triangularlv 
notched at its extremity ; the handle ends 
in a blunt probe {inunvad). This instrument 
is used for scarring, vaccinating, and for 
the removal of dead flesh — the notched 
extremity acting as an efficient scraper. (Fig. 83.) 
5. El Mitruuid. An instrument 
shaped as a blunt jjrobe, fashioned of 
wood, ivory or iron, used to separate 
the glans penis from the prepuce and 
also to ])ush back the glans befoi-e 
applying a clamp. Some are per¬ 
forated at one end for use as coarse 
threading needles. (Fig. 84.) 
Pig. 81.—El Siimandia 
Fig. 82.—El Lagat 
83—El Rtfisba 
t'ig. W.—El UiirwaU 
\ 
Snare 
Scalpels 
and forceps 
Probes and 
scrapers 
