A History of Limb Amputation

First part of the book presents a unique and coherent study of
natural amputations due to congenital absence, disease, frostbite,
toxins, domestic and wild animal trauma, and non-medical reasons
related to punitive, ritual and legal decisions. Following the
introduction of gun powder in the 15th century, surgical action
became significant. The subsequent development of surgical amputation
and its difficulties form a major part of the book, summarising the
evolution of the control of haemorrhage and infection, pain relief,
techniques, instrumentation, complications, prostheses, results and
case histories. In addition, alternative procedures, increasingly
important in the last two centuries, are debated and factors
associated with self-amputation in extremis, not as rare according to
press reports, are also examined.

This richly illustrated book will be of interest to medical and
social historians, surgeons, limb-fitting surgeons and prosthetists,
anaesthetists, limb manufacturers, social historians, ethnologists
and amputees.