Description
Book Synopsis: From an eminent surgeon and historian comes the “by turns fascinating and ghastly” (The New York Times Book Review, Editors’ Choice) story of surgery’s development—from the Stone Age to the present day—blending meticulous medical research with vivid storytelling.
There are not many life events that can be as simultaneously frightening and hopeful as a surgical operation. In America, tens-of-millions of major surgical procedures are performed annually, yet few of us consider the magnitude of these figures because we have such inherent confidence in surgeons. And, despite passionate debates about health care and the media’s endless fascination with surgery, most of us have no idea how the first surgeons came to be because the story of surgery has never been fully told.
Now, Empire of the Scalpel elegantly reveals surgery’s fascinating evolution from its early roots in ancient Egypt to its refinement in Europe and rise to scientific dominance in the United States. From the 16th-century saga of Andreas Vesalius and his crusade to accurately describe human anatomy while appeasing the conservative clergy who clamored for his burning at the stake, to the hard-to-believe story of late-19th century surgeons’ apathy to Joseph Lister’s innovation of antisepsis and how this indifference led to thousands of unnecessary surgical deaths, Empire of the Scalpel is both a global history and a uniquely American tale.
You’ll discover how in the 20th century the US achieved surgical leadership, heralded by Harvard’s Joseph Murray and his Nobel Prize–winning, seemingly impossible feat of transplanting a kidney, which ushered in a new era of transplants that continues to make procedures once thought insurmountable into achievable successes. Today, the list of possible operations is almost infinite—from knee and hip replacement to heart bypass and transplants to fat reduction and rhinoplasty—and “Rutkow has a raconteur’s touch” (San Francisco Chronicle) as he draws on his five-decade career to show us how we got here.
Comprehensive, authoritative, and captivating, Empire of the Scalpel is “a fascinating, well-rendered story of how the once-impossible became a daily reality” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review).
Details
Empire of the Scalpel is a groundbreaking book that delves deep into the fascinating history of surgery. Written by an eminent surgeon and historian, this meticulously researched and vividly told story takes you on a journey from the Stone Age to modern times. With its blend of medical expertise and captivating storytelling, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the evolution of surgery.
Imagine being able to witness the birth and growth of one of the most crucial fields in modern medicine. Empire of the Scalpel offers a unique opportunity to learn about the origins of surgery, a topic that has been overlooked for far too long. Gain a newfound appreciation for the immense skill and knowledge that surgeons possess as you explore the early roots of surgery in ancient Egypt, its refinement in Europe, and its rise to scientific dominance in the United States.
This book not only provides a comprehensive global history of surgery but also offers a captivating look into the uniquely American tale of its development. From the gripping saga of Andreas Vesalius and his fight to accurately describe human anatomy amidst opposition from conservative clergy, to the shocking apathy of late-19th century surgeons towards Joseph Lister's groundbreaking innovation of antisepsis, Empire of the Scalpel uncovers the triumphs and tragedies that shaped surgery into what it is today.
The United States emerged as a leader in surgical advancements in the 20th century, marked by groundbreaking achievements such as Joseph Murray's Nobel Prize-winning kidney transplant. Empire of the Scalpel highlights the incredible progress made in the field, showcasing how once seemingly insurmountable procedures have become achievable successes. Experience the awe-inspiring journey from simple knee and hip replacements to intricate heart bypass surgeries, transplants, fat reductions, and rhinoplasty.
Award-winning author Rutkow draws on his five-decade career as a surgeon to provide a captivating and authoritative account of surgery's evolution. Empire of the Scalpel is a fascinating, well-rendered story that will broaden your understanding of how the once-impossible became a daily reality. Delve into the pages of this book and uncover the secrets behind the remarkable advancements in surgical techniques that have saved countless lives.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the captivating history of surgery. Order your copy of Empire of the Scalpel today and embark on an enlightening journey that will leave you in awe of the surgical world's past, present, and future.
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