Book Update

The knife man has been an interesting read so far, although the shock value and novelty of 18th century England wore itself out soon in the book. The most remarkable thing about this book is simply John Hunter's daring. From a farm to the height of the surgical frontier, this man has the audacity to defy the conventional remedies and advice of the time and use the scientific method to think up and test ideas, both novel, borrowed, and tweaked. By doing so Hunter made huge strides in the field of surgery, even going so far as to possibly experiment on himself in the name of his experimentation. This surgeon was also something else... an anatomist. By studying cadavers and experimenting on animals of all kinds, Hunter developed a comprehensive knowledge of the body that he used to his advantage. It was due to this knowledge that Hunter was able to develop hypothesis that produced such revolutionary results. During this time in England, surgery was a deadly option because of the misguided techniques of the time. Hunters methods, and his use of the scientific method characterized a surgical revolution, and the beginning of surgery as we know it today.

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/277001/John-Hunter