An early 19th century leech tube from Holland made from eccentrically blown turquoise glass.

The tube is open at both ends with the smaller end allowing enough ventilation for the leech to breathe. The wider end would be sealed with a cork when in transit and this would be removed and the glass placed over the skin in order to direct the leech. They were applied to various places, depending on ailment which needed a cure; the face, eyes, temples, trunk, limbs, as well as more sensitive regions.  Purchased in the 1990s from an elderly doctor whose great grandfather had used this same instrument.

• From the Phisick collection