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Surgical history: everything you wanted to know

Surgical history: everything you wanted to know

Paul Craddock unravels the delicate yet dangerous history of surgery – from the folk practices of ancient Mesopotamia right up to transformative modern-day developments

Emily Briffett

Published: November 27, 2022 at 11:37 AM

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Why was a transfusion of lamb’s blood believed to cure epilepsy? What surgical procedures could you get in ancient Egypt? And were medieval surgical practitioners really a help to patients – or a hindrance? Speaking with Emily Briffett, Paul Craddock unravels the long history of surgery, from its ancient roots right up to recent developments that have changed the practice forever, including antiseptics, antibiotics and lessons learned from farmers and embroiderers.

Authors

Emily BriffettSenior content producer (podcasts)

Emily Briffett is senior content producer (podcasts) at HistoryExtra