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Surgeon and his assistants, before the introduction of anaesthetics, prepared to
Filename: 917_05_010813.jpg
Size: 3212 x 2052 (3.8MB)
Date: 26th March 2014
Source: Universal Images Group (UIG)
© Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Universal Images Group (UIG)
Surgeon and his assistants, before the introduction of anaesthetics, prepared to
Surgeon and his assistants, before the introduction of anaesthetics, prepared to perform an amputation at the shoulder. Surgeon stands, left, next the assistant surgeon (behind patient). An assistant on the ground supports the arm to be removed, and the two figures standing on the right support the patient. Bells comment on this operation was It requires decision and rapidity: and the knife is to be handled more like a sabre, than a Surgeons scapel. Engraving from Illustrations of the Great Operations of Surgery by Charles Bell (London, 1821)
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Media ID 9754369
© Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group
1821 Amputation Assistant Behind Bell Charles Figures Great Ground Illustrations Introduction Knife Left Medicine Operation Pain Patient Perform Prepared Removed Sabre Shoulder Stands Support Supports Surgeon Surgery Anaesthesia Anaesthetics Assistants Comment Decision Handled Operations Rapidity Requires Scapel
EDITORS COMMENTS
This engraving from 1821 depicts a surgeon and his assistants preparing for a daunting amputation at the shoulder. In an era before the introduction of anaesthetics, this operation was undoubtedly filled with immense pain and uncertainty. The surgeon stands confidently on the left, next to his assistant surgeon who is positioned behind the patient. To support the arm that is to be removed, an assistant can be seen kneeling on the ground. On the right side of the image, two figures stand ready to lend their support to the patient during this challenging procedure. Charles Bell, renowned for his contributions in medicine and surgery, commented on this particular operation stating that it required both decision-making skills and rapidity in execution. He emphasized that handling a knife during such procedures should resemble wielding a sabre rather than a typical surgeon's scalpel. This historical engraving serves as a stark reminder of how far medical advancements have come since 1821. Today, we are fortunate enough to benefit from modern anaesthesia techniques which alleviate pain and discomfort during surgical interventions. This image not only showcases Charles Bell's illustrative talent but also provides us with valuable insight into medical practices of yesteryears when surgeons had to rely solely on their skillful hands and unwavering determination while performing complex operations like amputations at such critical junctures in history.
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