A 19th century brass cupping lamp with original wick by Arnold & Sons

A small brass cupping lamp. The lit wick soaked in kerosine or oil would be held inside the cup for a few seconds before applying the cup to the skin. As the air cooled the resulting vacuum would secure the cup in place and if scarification was present blood would be sucked into the cup. The cartouche shows their logo and underneath reads ‘Arnold & Sons 31 Smithfield St and 123 Giltspure St London’. Arnold and Sons practiced in this name at the former address from 1866.

• From the Phisick collection