The technical term for this thingamabob is a "scarificator." As others have said, it's used for bloodletting. The hammer cocks back, pulling the blades inside. When the hammer is released, the blades pop out, slicing into the skin.
There are various versions of this type of "box" scarificator. I've seen ones with up to 16 blades.The box shape seems most common, judging on the number I've seen, but they can get pretty fancy.
Check out this page to see more: http://www.phisick.com/zphleb.htm
There are various versions of this type of "box" scarificator. I've seen ones with up to 16 blades.The box shape seems most common, judging on the number I've seen, but they can get pretty fancy.
Check out this page to see more:
http://www.phisick.com/zphleb.htm