The history and practice of surgery in ancient and mediæval times / by James Swain.

  • Swain, James.
Date:
[1909]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The history and practice of surgery in ancient and mediæval times / by James Swain. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    WAS straightened in cases of fracture-dislocation ] but Hippocrates tells us that he preferred to remedy the deformity by means of a lever (PI. 3), or by pressure with the hands, in much the same way as Calot suggested for spinal caries a few years ago (PI. 4). Venesection and cupping were performed, the rectum was explored by a speculum, and fistula and haemorrhoids were cured by operation. He gives us minute directions for different forms of bandage, and deals with such subjects as the relative position of the patient and operator, the light, instruments, and so forth. PI. 4. Reduction of fracture-dislocation of the spine by manipulation. Considering the anatomical knowledge of Hippocrates was practically limited to the bones, and a superficial acquaintance with the viscera, his surgical achievements are all the more wonderful. Thoroughness and boldness were the characteristics of this Father of Surgery, who transmitted to the world an imperishable name and work. He laid the first foundations upon which others built, and we can fully endorse the action of the inhabitants of Argos, who voted him a statue of gold. After the death of Hippocrates there is little to record of surgical importance in Greece ; but Praxagoras of Cos (about 335), the teacher of Herophilus, and the last of the Asclepiadae, used taxis for strangulated hernia, and recommended.