Name/Title
Fistula lancetDescription
French King Louis XIV (below) did not believe in bathing so covered himself with perfume to not offend others. His poor hygiene led to a very painful rectal fistulae for which there was no cure at the he time
After much unsuccessful experimentation on prisoners, barber-surgeon Charles-François Felix designed an instrument and in 1686 was successful in repairing the king’s fistula using an instrument similar to the one pictured here.
The only other example of that instrument I know of is the original one now located at the medical museum in Paris.Condition
Overall Condition
Very GoodDate Examined
Jul 9, 2026Create Date
July 9, 2026Update Date
August 23, 2026
