For me, each encounter with the Gillies
combination needle holder and suture
cutting scissors is like a visit
with an eccentric aunt or uncle.

Clearly ahead of its time, it must be
one of the earliest expressions of ergonomics
in instrument design and function.
Oblivious to constraints of common concepts,
arms, rings and jaws are all at once veering off
in delightful if unexpected diversions
from the traditional design trajectories
of its forebears.

In an instrument line up,
it stands out as a creature
only its mother could love.
The thumb specific ring is actually larger
than its counterpart while the shank it is
mounted on is offset and visibly
shorter than its own opposite.

It is odd and awkward
and out of place
until picked up and manipulated.
Here is an instrument for the grabbing!

Fourth /fifth finger locks the lesser ring
in intimate embrace
while the thumb slips smoothly
through the oversized oval ring
or gently mounts its outer rim.

Soon, the distinction between
hand and hardware blurs.
Amazing, how close and coordinated
become the extended forefinger and
central axis of the device.

Formed is a union, which,
if not quite consummated in heaven,
will at least serve, honor and obey the
autodidact surgeon through final closure.

Buxton, with its evolving neoteric reputation as more of a follower of Conventions than of convention, proudly introduces a mini version of the Gillies, which hand surgeons, foot surgeons and plastic surgeons will find particularly well suited to the challenge of the delicate suturing tasks they routinely face.

Hand & Footnotes, Vol. 2, No. 1