Knife, Fire and Boiling Oil: The Early History of Surgery

HISTORY OF MEDICINE. This book tells the story of the early history of surgery - when surgeons were equipped with just knives, fire and boiling oil. The two events which mark the beginning of 'modern' surgery are the introduction of anaesthesia and antiseptic, both in the second half of the nineteenth century. However, present day knowledge and techniques have resulted from the cumulative observations and experiments of centuries. This book celebrates the dedication and ingenuity of the early pioneers of surgery and documents some of their remarkable surgical procedures.