288 Description of & mechanical Substitute for Leeches. 
leeches is necessary, the possession of the artificial leech appears 
to me obvious and very desir able. 
Iam, &c. 
Aldersgate-street, Nov. 18, 1812. J, DEARING, 
To Mr. J. Whitford, &c. 8c. Gc. 
WE are of opinion that the instrument produced by Mr. Whit- 
ford cannot supersede the use of leeches, but that it may occa- 
sionally prove a useful substitute for them. 
(Signed) , JoHNn PzarRson, 
JAMES WILSON, 
THomas BamMsDEN, 
J. C. Carpug, 
Tuomas Mainwaring, 
; S. Cooper, 
November 24, 1812. HeEenrRY EaRLe. 
I nave used Mr. Whitford’s leech-instrument, and approve 
the same; | consider it a very ingenious contrivance, and that 
it will become an excellent substitute for leeches. 
Charter-House-Square, Nov. 24, 1812. J.W. SPRY, Surgeon. 
To C. Taylor, M.D. Sec. 
Sir,—I Ave great pleasure in being.enabled to say, that 
whenever I have used your artificial leech, it has fully answered 
My expectations ; and I cannot help thinking, that during the 
winter season, when leeches are so exceedingly expensive, and 
when generally they are more wanted, it will prove a valuable 
substitute. The additition of the stop-cock, as it will preserve 
a more perfect vacuum, will enhance its valuc. 
i am, &c. 
105, St. John-Street. Joun Barnett, Surgeon. 
To Mr. Whitford, Sc. Sc. Ge. 
Reference to the Engraving of Mr.J. Wurtronp’s Mechanical 
Substitute for Leeches, Plate IV. figs. 1, 2, 3. 
THIs instrument operates nearly in the same manner as the 
scarificator and cupping-glass, but in a more delicate way; the 
piercing instrument being provided with sharp points, instead of 
lancets, so as to make three very small punctures in the skin (in- 
stead of incisions, as by the scarificator) ; upon these a small glass 
cup is applied, and a syringe used to exhaust the air from it, and 
increase the flow of the blood. 
Figs, 2 and 3 show the form of the instrument, called the 
‘ leech; 
