Early accounts of removing fibrous growths of the uterus typically involved the passing of a ligature around the base of a polypus, and day after day it was tightened, generally by twisting until the mass sloughed.  Such ligatures and torsions prevailed until the ecraseur, originally devised by Chassaignac for removal of haemorrhoids, was adopted for use in gynecology.  It encircles the mass by a chain loop which crushes its way through as it is reduced in size, and by lacerating rather than cutting it lessens the chance of hemorrhage. Subsequently the instrument evolved and the chain was replaced by a wire to ease application about the tumor. An unusual cased example of Hick’s form marked Down Bros Ltd., with 3 interchangeable heads, and all contained in a fitted case bearing a brass manufactures label.