“The Pharyngotome, for puncturing tumors in the fauces; an instrument of singular utility in this and many other cases where it may be necessary to introduce a very sharp point to a considerable depth, but perfectly concealed till it reaches its destination, when it is pushed forward by the button at its superior extremity, and, after having accomplished its object, on ceasing the pressure, again recedes into its cannula by the action of a spiral spring within the barrel.  It consists of silver case, the inferior part of which is a flat cannula, slightly curved edgeways, enclosing the lancet, and screwed on to a cylinder of about two inches in length and half an inch in diameter, containing a spiral spring, through which the stem of the lancet passes, and by whose action it is constantly retained in its cannula till pushed forward by the thumb applied upon the button at its superior extremity.”  - J.H. Savigny Catalogue 1798