Accession Number

1986.008.3039

Creation Date

circa 1620

Description

This pair of scissors was originally made of iron or steel, but the metal degraded, and the form is cast from the calcareous marine concretion that formed around them underwater. They are housed in a sheath made of canvas or some other crude cloth, which would have protected the blades and gives a sense that the scissors were valued. They are of a simple design and would fall under the category of “general purpose” scissors. Scissors on a ship might be used to cut cloth or thread, trim hair and beards, or as a tool in medical care. 10.4 x 3.9 x 1.0 cm.

Exhibition Label

Case Caption (2023):

The Surgeon

Both Cecilio de Ribera aboard the Nuestra Señora de Atocha and Juan de Mercado on the Santa Margarita were ship’s surgeons. At this time, a surgeon was often a barber who had acquired a few additional skills rather than a man with medical training.

He would have few medicines to offer. His resources would include basilicum powder (made from basil) to speed the healing of a wound and poultice ingredients for sores or strains. The lack of fresh food in sailors’ rations would lead to digestive problems in the short term or even scurvy during a long voyage. Many minor illnesses were treated with enemas, whether truly appropriate or not.

In addition, the surgeon would know how to clean a sword cut, dig out a musket ball, or even pull a tooth. He might have to go as far as amputating the limb of an injured sailor. Dipping a man’s freshly severed stump in hot pitch to seal the wound would be as close to hygiene as the operation might come.
Object Caption (2023):

Scissors
Canvas sheath with reconstruction (c.1620)
Gift of Jamestown Inc.
1986.008.3039