Title:  Cutting for the Stone

This exhibit includes information about lithotomy (the removal of bladder stones), which is perhaps the least well-known of the ancient surgical procedures.  Bladder stones have been recorded as far back as 6,500 B.C.    Hippocrates warned that young physicians should not risk performing the complex procedure but rather rely on lithotomists.  The exhibit highlights famous suffers from the 1600-1700’s. Bizarre facts and records are revealed.

Jean Civiale, in the early 19th century, collected data about optional lithotomy procedures, thus being the first known physician to practice Evidence Based Medicine.