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  • In pictures

The original drama of operating theatres

Medicine as ‘theatre’ began in the 16th century, when paying audiences enjoyed candlelight, live music – and a cadaver being dissected in front of them, all the in name of education.

  • Article

The tale of the toxic kidneys

In 1954 a serendipitous coming together of skills and circumstances allowed the first successful organ transplant to take place. Read how Richard Herrick’s life was prolonged by his identical twin’s generosity.

  • Article

The making of ‘Quacks’

How do you create a medical comedy that’s authentic and laugh-out-loud funny?

  • Article

The mystery of the malignant brain

In 1884 a neurologist successfully used a patient’s symptoms, plus a new kind of map, to locate a brain tumour. Discover how his best-laid plans for treatment worked out.

All stories (17)

Images

  • G. de Chauliac, Surgical operation, in Grande Chirurgie
  • M0006929: Surgical operation performed in a crowded room
  • Surgical operation at Middlesex Hospital. Photograph by Humphrey Joel.
  • Sudan: a surgical operation. Photograph, 19--.
  • A surgical operation being performed, circa 1900.
  • Sir Rickman Goodle performing a surgical operation
  • Surgical instruments for the operation of cataracts, including a catheter and a empyema. Engraving by Mutlow.
  • A surgical operation. Etching by Stuyvesant Van Veen, 1931.
  • A surgical operation, by Johannes van Meurs, circa 1657
  • Otto Hildebrand performing a surgical operation. Process print, 1927.
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