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.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
S. A. Rosen, “Flint Sickle-Blades of the Late Protohistoric and Early Historic Periods in Israel,” Tel Aviv 9, 139–145 (1982).
I. Gilead, “The Foragers of the Upper Paleolithic Period,” p. 124–140 in The Archaeology of Society in the Holy Land, Th. E. Levy (1995}) Leicester U. Press
N. Goring-Morris, “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. Th. E. Levy (1995) Leicester U. Press.
D. Gilead, “Flint Industry of the Bronze Age from Har Peruham and Tel Nagilce”, p. 133–143, in Apud, Y. Aharoni, ed., Excavations & Studies, Tel Aviv (1973). (?)
M. Domanski, J. A. Webb, and J. Boland, “Mechanical Properties of Stone Artifact Material and the Effect of Heat Treatment,” Archaeometry, 36 [2], 177–208 (1994).
D. L. Belcher, “Decreased Fracture Toughness of Thermally Altered Attica Chert” Report, Purdue University, Dept. Mat. Sci. Eng., April 20, 1992.
D. L. Schindler, J. W. Hatch, C. A. Hay, and R. C. Bradt, “Aboriginal Thermal Alteration of a Central Pennsylvania Jasper: Analytical and Behaviorial Implications,” Am. Antiquity, 47, 526–544 (1982).
L. W. Patterson, “Comments on Studies of Thermal Alteration of Central Pennsylvania Jasper,” Am. Antiquity, 49 [1], 168–177 (1984).
L. M. Hurcombe, Use Wear Analysis and Obsidian, Sheffield (1992).
“Metallurgy of Some Ancient Egyptian Medical Instruments,” James Mellichamp & Martin Levey, Archaeological Chemistry, Martin Levey}, ed.}, p. 167–
“A Set of Roman Medical Instruments from Italy,” R. Jackson, Brittannia 17, 68–113 (1986).
A. Dillmann, Exodus and Leviticus, p. 45–47 (1880).
G. W. Ashby, “The Bloody Bridegroom,” Expository Times, 106, 203–205 (April 1985).
J. Stodart and M. Faraday, “Experiments on the Alloys of Steel Made with a View to Its Improvements,” Quart. J. Sci., Lit. and the Arts, 9, 319–330 (1820).
J. Stodart and M. Faraday, “On the Alloys of Steel,” Phil. Trans. Royal Soc, 112, 252 (1822).
J. Stodart and M. Faraday, “On the Alloys of Steel,” Phil. Mag. LX, 363 (July-August, 1822).
R. A. Hadfield, Faraday and His Metallurgical Researches, London (1931).
R. F. Mushet, Pat. No. 2219, September 22, 1856.
M. Osborn, The Story of the Mushets, London (1952).
E. Williams, “Two Metallurgical Discoveries,” Annals of Science, 11, 93–98 (1955).
R. A. Hadfield, “A Research on Faraday’s’ Steels and Alloys,’” Phil. Trans. Royal Soc. (A) 230, 221 (1931).
R. A. Hadfield, “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).
R. A. Hadfield, Manganese Steel, London, (1888).
T. H. Burnham, Special Steels. London (1933).
F. W. Taylor, “On the Art of Cutting Metals,” Trans. Am. Soc. Mech. Engineers 28, 51–52 (1907).
C. A. Zapffe, Stainless Steels, ASM (1949).
H. Brearley, Cutlery, U.S. Pat. 1,197,256 (1916).
R. A. Hadfield, “Alloys of Iron and Chromium, Including a Report by F. Osmond,” J.I.S.I., 2, 49 (1892).
R. A. Hadfield, “The Corrosion of Iron and Steel,” Proc. Royal Soc. (A), 101, 472 (1922).
W. H. Hatfield, “Cutlery, Stainless and Otherwise,” pp. 31, Sheffield; address to the Sheffield Trades Technical Society, Dec. 17, 1919.
J. Kirkup, “From Flint to Stainless Steel: Observations on Surgical Instrument Composition,” Annals. Royal Col. Surgeons England 75, 365–374 (1993).
J. Kirkup, “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).
C. J. Heath, “Non-Rusting Steel and Other Instruments,” Medical Press, January 24, p. 76–77 (1917).
J. Glassberg, Zichron Bris La Rishonirru, Krakow (1891-1892)} p. 228.
I. Bukatmann, Sefer “Brit Yitzchak”, Vilna (1917) p. 28.
J. H. Bloom, Brit Olam, Futuro Press (1950) p. 182.
“Nitrogen Alloyed Tool Steels,” Hans Berns & Joachim Lueg, Neue Heutte, 36[12], 13–18 (1991).
“A New Corrosion-Resistant Steel for Medical Instruments,” M. P. Mikaberidze, et al., p. 1237–9 in Progress in the Understanding and Prevention of Corrosion, J. M. Costa, ed. (Vol. II) (1994).
T. Kato, “The Cutting and Shearing Process in Surgical Blades,” Kinzoku, 51 [2], 19–25 (1981).
“Tiny, Sharp Microsurgical Blades of New Alloy Steel Key to Success of New Cutting Balloon Angioplasty,” Industrial Heating, 62[10], 49–51 (1995).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Notis, M.R., Jakielski, K.E. Ancient Medical Instruments: An Overview and Case Study. MRS Online Proceedings Library 462, 167–174 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-462-167
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-462-167