Ancient medicine

T'was a dreich day today so decided to take the opportunity to clear cupboards - how dull - but sadly essential. However tucked at the back I found this old auroscope lt that had been given to me many moons ago - why may you ask - I dunno! So its been collecting dust for years. Unfortunaley the old batteries are still in it corroding away nicely through the hand set. So if anyone with any ideas how to get the blinking things out they would be gratefully appreciated. I have tried all sorts of impliments down it but they are well and truelly welded.

When all the contents of the cupboards were scattered over the floor the sun came out and shone like a summer's day despite the freezing wind -grrrr