The Illustrated History of Surgery

Book excerpt: Throughout its development, from an ancient craft of magic and religion to a field of science and technology, surgery has inspired strong feelings--hope and admiration, fear and censure, but never indifference. Here, for the first time-- in The Illustrated History of Surgery--is a readable and chronological account, across the whole spectrum of world history, of the development of surgery and of the great personalities whose skill and courage paved the way for the modern surgeon. The book also includes information on the use of drugs, herbal remedies, early anaesthetics and a whole range of procedures related to surgery and its evolution. The text ranges from primitive surgery in prehistoric times to today's transplants and implants - with a glimpse into how modern surgery is likely to develop in the future. There are portraits of the great surgeons throughout the ages, detailed accounts of the milestones in the progress of the profession - the breaking of new ground and forming of solid bases from which the next generation of surgeons could advance to new and revolutionary techniques. The Illustrated History of Surgery is a beautifully presented book, with more than 200 colour illustrations gathered from around the world; it tells the story of surgery in a way that is both intelligible and enthralling.