Giovanni Andrea Dalla Croce (1509?-1580).  Chirugiae…libri septem. Venice: Apud Jordanum Zilettun, 1573.

Not a great deal is known of Croce’s life.  He was born at Venice, and was a member of the College of Surgeons in Venice.  In 1560 he was mentioned as being on of the city’s most successful surgeons.  Chirugiae is Croce’s major contribution and is a historic compilation of writings of authorities from Hippocrates to Abulcasis.

Croce’s wound management recommendations are similar to some used 500 years later.  Chirugiae contains excellent illustrations.  Nearly all the best known, most frequently used surgical instruments are depicted in historical sequence.  This book also depicts arrows, spears, and bullets used for warfare, and scenes of a typical 16th century operating room.

You may view this work in the John Martin Rare Book Room, Hardin Library for the Health Sciences. Make a gift to the Hardin Library for the Health Sciences by donating online or setting up a recurring gift with The University of Iowa Foundation.