Description of a mechanical Substitute for Leeches. 287 
artificial leeches, I will with pleasure attend your summons ; and 
remain, 
Your most obedient, grateful, 
and very respectful servant, 
St. Bartholomew's Hospital, J. WHITFORD. 
Noy. 18, 1812. 
Certificates. 
Sirn,—I Have had frequent opportunities of using your leech- 
instrument, and am happy to inform you that it has answered 
far beyond my expectation. I have found it particularly useful 
in many cases where the indigent class of people have stood in 
need of leeches, but from the high price could not procure them. 
1 have also found it very convenient in two cases, where the pa- 
tients had a great aversion even to the sight of the leech, con- 
sequently the instrument proved to them its most beneficial effects. 
I am, sir, yours, &c. 
W. H. Exuiorr, 
City Dispensary, Oct. 20, 1812. Apothecary to the City Dispensary. 
To Mr. J. Whitford, 8c. Gc. Be. 
Sir,—Havine attentively examined the instrument you put 
into my hands, as a substitute for leeches, I am of opinion that 
it will afford a valuable means of supplying any deficiency of that 
very useful reptile, which, from its dearth and scarcity, cannot 
be employed in many cases. 
I am, sir, 
Your very obedient servant, 
Finsbury Dispensary, St. John-Street, MicHaEL BaRtLetr. 
Noy. 13, 1813. 
To Mr. J. Whitford, 8c. &c. @e. 
Sir,—I Have made use of your artificial leech, and, from my 
experience, | think it will prove of great utility. In cases where 
leeches are necessary I think it will answer every purpose, and in 
many instances will be preferable. The operation can be per- 
tormed much cleaner, with considerably less fatigue to the patient, 
and the quantity of blood taken away can be ascertained with 
more accuracy than if drawn by the natural leech. The extra- 
vagant price of leeches often puts it out of the power of the lower 
class of people to procure them; and frequently, when procured, 
they will be found sickly, and their power of action so languid as 
to disappoint 'the hopes of the patient, and the expectation of 
the practitioner; a disappointment which is prevented by the 
artificial leech: and where prompt and immediate Sali 
leeches 
