$999
Dr. Bascom's Medical Kit, containing a thirteen-blade lacquered-brass scarificator, in leather case gilt-stamped Codman & Shurtleft, Surgical and Dental Instruments, 13 Tremont St., Boston ; a steel tooth key with ebony handle; two leather folding surgical cases containing forceps, probes, curved tortoiseshell scalpels and other implements; ebony syringe in leather-covered case; two tortoiseshell lancets; steel-framed spectacles; an unopened packet of Dr. Bascom's Dyspeptic Bitters ; and other items; in (worn) fur-covered chest, with brass riveted edges, leather carrying handle and floral-print fabric lining, wd. 12 in . Provenance: Dr. Ezekial F. Bascom, Eclectic and Botanic Physician, Portland, Maine. Included with the Lot are Dr. Bascom's business card, a portrait "miniature in gilt fob, obituary notice and hand-written note, This box contains old instruments and material used by Dr. Ezekial Fitch Bascom when in practice in Portland, Maine. He was the father of Henry, 9, and Eugene, 7, Bascom. He died at the age of 39 years at the peak of his practice. He was a botanic physician and many of his receipts are in his note book. He perfected a medicine for dyspepsia and for many years after his death, his prescription supported his wife and 2 children. Orders came from all over the United States for the remedy. He was born in Hinsdale, New Hampshire, and died May 13 - 1868."
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2004-09-11
