A lovely example of 19th century keratotomy scissors. It is remarkable how very small these scissor are and that after 100 years or so they still cut through paper like a razor.

The forceps are held between thumb and forefinger and gentle pressure closed the scissor blades. The leather covered wooden box is lined with red silk and marked Luer Paris Instrts. De Chirurgie Rue Antoine Dubois 6. The scissors are marked A Luer Paris.

• From the Phisick collection