Examines the fundamental developments in the technical, social and cultural history of surgery and reflects the state of historical research on the topic
Focuses on surgery as a manual, instrumental, science-based activity that intentionally violates the body's integrity
Provides a comprehensive starting point for anyone wanting to obtain up-to-date information about the various topics within the history of surgery

This handbook covers the technical, social and cultural history of surgery. It reflects the state of the art and suggests directions for future research. It discusses what is different and specific about the history of surgery - a manual activity with a direct impact on the patient's body. The individual entries in the handbook function as starting points for anyone who wants to obtain up-to-date information about an area in the history of surgery for purposes of research or for general orientation. Written by 26 experts from 6 countries, the chapters discuss the essential topics of the field (such as anaesthesia, wound infection, instruments, specialization), specific domains areas (for example, cancer surgery, transplants, animals, war), but also innovative themes (women, popular culture, nursing, clinical trials) and make connections to other areas of historical research (such as the history of emotions, art, architecture, colonial history).

Chapters 16 and 18 of this book are available open access under a CC BY 4.0 license at link.springer.com