Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-tf8b9 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-25T15:50:48.287Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Ancient Medical Instruments: An Overview and Case Study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 February 2011

M. R. Notis  and
K. E. Jakielski
M. R. Notis
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, U.S.A.
K. E. Jakielski
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, U.S.A.
Get access

Abstract

An overview of the development of the materials used for surgical knives is presented. Because early surgical tools are hard to recognize in terms of specific function, unless they are found in context they are difficult to identify. A rare exception is the collection of Roman surgical implements found in Pompeii. In order to demonstrate the level of technology typical ofthat time, metallographic study has been performed on an object identified as a Roman surgical probe similar to those found in Pompeii. The composition, microstructure, and fabrication technology for this object is discussed in relation to its functional use.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 462: Symposium DD – Materials Issues in Art and Archaeology V , 1996 , 167
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1997

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

1. Rosen, S. A., “Flint Sickle-Blades of the Late Protohistoric and Early Historic Periods in Israel,” Tel Aviv 9, 139–145 (1982).Google Scholar
2. Gilead, I., “The Foragers of the Upper Paleolithic Period,” p. 124–140 in The Archaeology of Society in the Holy Land, Levy, Th. E. (1995) Leicester U. Press.Google Scholar
3. Goring-Morris, N., “Complex Hunter/Gatherers at the End of the Paleolithic (20,000–10,000 BP),” p. 149 in The Archaeology of Society in the Holy Land. Levy, Th. E. (1995) Leicester U. Press.Google Scholar
4. Gilead, D., “Flint Industry of the Bronze Age from Har Peruham and Tel Nagilce”, p. 133–143, in Apud, , Aharoni, Y., ed., Excavations & Studies, Tel Aviv (1973). (?)Google Scholar
5. Domanski, M., Webb, J. A., and Boland, J., “Mechanical Properties of Stone Artifact Material and the Effect of Heat Treatment,” Archaeometry, 36 [2], 177–208 (1994).Google Scholar
6. Belcher, D. L., “Decreased Fracture Toughness of Thermally Altered Attica Chert” Report, Purdue University, Dept. Mat. Sci. Eng., April 20, 1992.Google Scholar
7. Schindler, D. L., Hatch, J. W., Hay, C. A., and Bradt, R. C., “Aboriginal Thermal Alteration of a Central Pennsylvania Jasper: Analytical and Behaviorial Implications,” Am. Antiquity, 47, 526–544 (1982).Google Scholar
8. Patterson, L. W., “Comments on Studies of Thermal Alteration of Central Pennsylvania Jasper,” Am. Antiquity, 49 [1], 168–177 (1984).Google Scholar
9. Hurcombe, L. M., Use Wear Analysis and Obsidian, Sheffield (1992).Google Scholar
10. “Metallurgy of Some Ancient Egyptian Medical Instruments,” Mellichamp, James & Levey, Martin, Archaeological Chemistry, Levey, Martin, ed., p. 167–180.Google Scholar
11. “A Set of Roman Medical Instruments from Italy,” Jackson, R., Brittannia 7, 68–113 (1986).Google Scholar
12. Dillmann, A., Exodus and Leviticus, p. 45–47 (1880).Google Scholar
13. Ashby, G. W., “The Bloody Bridegroom,” Expository Times, 106, 203–205 (April 1985).Google Scholar
14. Stodart, J. and Faraday, M., “Experiments on the Alloys of Steel Made with a View to Its Improvements,” Quart. J. Sci., Lit. and the Arts, 9, 319–330 (1820).Google Scholar
15. Stodart, J. and Faraday, M., “On the Alloys of Steel,” Phil. Trans. Royal Soc, U2, 252 (1822).Google Scholar
16. Stodart, J. and Faraday, M., “On the Alloys of Steel,” Phil. Mag. LX, 363 (July-August, 1822).Google Scholar
17. Hadfield, R. A., Faraday and His Metallurgical Researches, London (1931).Google Scholar
18. Mushet, R. F., Pat. No. 2219, September 22, 1856.Google Scholar
19. Osborn, M., The Story of the Mushets, London (1952).Google Scholar
20. Williams, E., “Two Metallurgical Discoveries,” Annals of Science, 11, 93–98 (1955).Google Scholar
21. Hadfield, R. A., “A Research on Faraday's ‘Steels and Alloys,’” Phil. Trans. Royal Soc. (A) 230, 221 (1931).Google Scholar
22. Hadfield, R. A., “Manganese in its Application to Metallurgy,” and “Some Newly Discovered Properties of Iron and Manganese,” Minutes of Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, 93, 6–7 and 80–91+ (1888).Google Scholar
23. Hadfield, R. A., Manganese Steel, London, (1888).Google Scholar
24. Burnham, T. H., Special Steels. London (1933).Google Scholar
25. Taylor, F. W., “On the Art of Cutting Metals,” Trans. Am. Soc. Mech. Engineers 28, 51–52 (1907).Google Scholar
26. Zapffe, C. A., Stainless Steels, ASM (1949).Google Scholar
27. Brearley, H., Cutlery, U.S. Pat. 1,197,256 (1916).Google Scholar
28. Hadfield, R. A., “Alloys of Iron and Chromium, Including a Report by F. Osmond,” J.I.S.I., 2, 49 (1892).Google Scholar
29. Hadfield, R. A., “The Corrosion of Iron and Steel,” Proc. Royal Soc. (A), 101, 472 (1922).Google Scholar
30. Hatfield, W. H., “Cutlery, Stainless and Otherwise,” pp. 31, Sheffield; address to the Sheffield Trades Technical Society, Dec. 17, 1919.Google Scholar
31. Kirkup, J., “From Flint to Stainless Steel: Observations on Surgical Instrument Composition,” Annals. Royal Col. Surgeons England 75, 365–374 (1993).Google Scholar
32. Kirkup, J., “The History and Evolution of Surgical Instruments,” Annals Royal Col. Surgeons England, 63, 279–25 (1981); 64, 125–132 (1982); 65, 270–273 (1983); 67, 56–60 (1985); 68, 29–33 (1986); 77, 380–388 (1995).Google Scholar
33. Heath, C. J., “Non-Rusting Steel and Other Instruments,” Medical Press, January 24, p. 76–77 (1917).Google Scholar
34. Glassberg, J., Zichron Bris La Rishonirru, Krakow (1891–1892) p. 228.Google Scholar
35. Bukatmann, I., Sefer “Brit Yitzchak”, Vilna (1917) p. 28.Google Scholar
36. Bloom, J. H., Brit Olam, Futuro Press (1950) p. 182.Google Scholar
37. “Nitrogen Alloyed Tool Steels,” Hans Berns & Joachim Lueg, Neue Heutte, 36 [12], 13–18 (1991).Google Scholar
38. “A New Corrosion-Resistant Steel for Medical Instruments,” Mikaberidze, M. P., et al., p. 1237–9 in Progress in the Understanding and Prevention of Corrosion, Costa, J. M., ed. (Vol. II) (1994).Google Scholar
39. Kato, T., “The Cutting and Shearing Process in Surgical Blades,” Kinzoku, 51 [2], 19–25 (1981).Google Scholar
40. “Tiny, Sharp Microsurgical Blades of New Alloy Steel Key to Success of New Cutting Balloon Angioplasty,” Industrial Heating, 62 [10], 49–51 (1995).Google Scholar