Revolutionary Surgeons: Patriots and Loyalists on the Cutting Edge

Revolutionary Surgeons explores the role of surgeons as political and military leaders of the American Revolution, highlighting their involvement in political activities and their divided views on the growing opposition against English rule. Despite their differences, Loyalists and Patriots often coexisted peacefully in the same communities. During the 1700s, surgeons performed extensive procedures with limited anesthesia, often leading to painful deaths due to shock and postoperative complications.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2022
Publisher: Permuted Press

Revolutionary Surgeons provides an in-depth exploration of surgeons as political and military leaders during the American Revolution. Prominent surgeons actively engaged in political activities, ultimately leading to the separation of the colonies from Britain. Surgeons were members of organizations such as the Sons of Liberty, which opposed Acts imposed by Parliament on the colonies.

Similar to other societal groups, surgeons held diverse views on the growing opposition against English rule and the desire for an independent nation. Despite their differing opinions, Loyalists and Patriots often coexisted peacefully in the same communities.

During the 1700s, surgery experienced significant advancements, despite the absence of anesthesia. Surgeons performed extensive procedures, including laparotomies for tumors, mastectomies for cancerous growths, amputations of the leg above or below the knee, and cutting for the stone (removal of bladder stones). A better understanding of human anatomy played a crucial role in pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible in surgery. Without anesthesia, patients endured unimaginable pain and horror during procedures. Many succumbed to shock on the operating table or from postoperative bleedings and infections.

Stories about surgeons as leaders of the American Revolution and their heroic surgical procedures offer an engaging and thrilling read.

Weight: 664g
Dimension: 160 x 238 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642938883