Presents a textual and pictorial history of the evolution of American surgery. This book provides an account of the development of surgery in the context of American social, economic, and political history. It also chronicles the history of American surgery from Native American practices and colonial onwards.

Written by a world-renowned historian of surgery, this volume is a masterful textual and pictorial history of the evolution of American surgery. Dr. Rutkow draws on his experience as a surgeon and a historian to provide an enlightening account of the development of surgery in the context of American social, economic, and political history. Interspersed with the narrative is an extraordinary collection of archival photographs and drawings, many of which have never before been published. The first section chronicles the history of American surgery from Native American practices and colonial times to the present. Particular attention is given to the professionalization and specialization of surgery, as well as to the influence of wars, technological advances, and other pivotal events on the profession. The second section details the history of specific surgical specialties. More than 1,000 biographical accounts of famous surgeons are deftly woven into the narrative.

1. Native American Surgery 2. Surgical Practice in Colonial
America, 1607-1783 3. English and French Influences, 1784-1845 4. Surgical Anesthesia, 1846-1860 5. Civil War Surgery, 1861-1865 6. Professionalism and Antisepsis, 1866-1889 7. German Authority and Scientific Advancement, 1890-1916 8. World War I Surgery, 1917-1918 9. Consolidation and Specialization, 1919-1940 10. World War II Surgery, 1941-1945 11. American Surgical Supremacy, 1946-1974 12. Socioeconomic and Political Transformation, 1975-1997 13. General Surgery 14. Cardiothoracic Surgery 15. Colorectal Surgery 16. Gynecologic Surgery 17. Neurologic Surgery 18. Ophthalmologic Surgery 19. Orthopedic Surgery 20. Otorhinolaryngologic Surgery 21. Plastic Surgery 22. Urologic Surger