Throughout the ages, miserable souls stricken with infectious diseases courtesy of poor hygiene and malnutrition would be lucky to encounter much compassion from their doctors.
Whilst an understanding of the human condition might have afforded a little sympathy, our medical ancestors have more of a reputation for grave digging and attempting to heal their patients with instruments of torture and quackery!
Surgical tools, the thought of which might well have paralysed patients with fear, did so before the 1850’s without the benefit of anaesthetic. Although many of these instruments represent quite remarkable feats of artistic design and engineering, no less remarkable is the psyche of both the doctors and patients who used them. One wonders by what authority yesterdays clinicians managed to persuade their long suffering patients to partake so willingly of such cures as poisonous emetics, salves which would cause the skin to blister on contact and bloodletting.
There must have not only been great conviction on behalf of the physicians but also considerable pressure exerted through the beliefs of society and religion at the time.
Shown above:
Nineteenth century anatomical models made from papier-mâché are also favorites of medical collectors. The 19th century anatomical brain model is made from paper-mache by Dr. Auzoux. The whole model comes apart and as each section is removed new treasures are revealed within. Even the various tracts within the cerebral hemispheres are individually marked with beautifully drawn paper fan like structures.
Note: Check Phisick.com for numerous images and complete details of each medical instrument shown.