| Wednesday, September 08, 2010 | SUBSCRIBE | COMMUNITY LINKS | ADVERTISING INFO | TO REACH US |
 |
|
| HOME | | | HAPPENINGS | | | DECORATING | | | SPOTLIGHT | | | COLLECTING | | | AUTO | | | FASHION | | | TRAVEL | | | EVENTS | | | AUCTIONS | | | CLASSIFIEDS | | | PHOTO GALLERY | | | BLOG |
 |
|
As medical students began with the study of anatomy, so do collectors, where some important historical items can be found. Illustrations by Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) and others are a fascinating look at the beginnings of modern medicine. Uroscopy, the practice of diagnosing disease through the examination of urine, was one of the earliest methods used by "modern" physicians, taught as early as the 2nd century by Galen. Flasks and uroscopy wheels are the most common items in this category. Early diagnostic instruments were developed out of a need to maintain propriety while examining a patient. Stethoscopes and thermometers are the most well-known items in this field.  An amputation saw, circa 1540. When it comes to surgery and amputation, early tools could certainly be considered barbaric today. A variety of saws and knifes may make shivers run up your spine. Some areas of the hobby are not for the squeamish. Hippocrates (460-370BV) believed that one needed to maintain the balance of the four body fluids to cure disease. The job of the doctor was to restore harmony using emetics, cathartics, purgatives and by blood letting. The idea of "bleeding" a person to reduce excess circulation, to slow the pulse and to reduce inflammation sounds a bit drastic today, but in fact these early ideas set the stage for transfusions, which gained importance in the 19th century. Leach jars, lancets and cupping sets were the tools of the trade. Another uncomfortable subject is urology and the treatment of stones. In the 16th century, the cure for bladder and kidneys stones was almost as bad as the affliction itself, Instruments include lithotrite sets and syringes. For many centuries, the practice of Obstetrics was beneath the dignity of physicians, although one of the most important discoveries made in any medical specialty was the discovery of the obstetric forceps. Early models and illustrations, delivery chairs and clamps were also born of this category. The Civil War era brought about two of the greatest discoveries in the history of medicine. Anesthesia and the importance of asepsis were known in the mid 19th century though many surgeons decided to practice neither. Early prosthetics, anesthesia tools and vaccination sets are attributed to the time period,  A surgery set manufactured by Tiemann in the 1880s. Apothecary, the predecessor to modern pharmaceuticals, brought various herbs, potions, and homeopathy sets. Dental antiques is another specialty that might set your teeth on edge. Tooth keys, early drills, dental chairs and spittoons make us glad for modern technology. It is in the area of Quack Medicine that one finds peculiar machines, potions, and devices which were invented and used by both well-meaning physicians as well as charlatans. Hydrotherapy, light therapy, thermocaps and eye massagers are just some of the collectibles of interest. Not surprising, while today's collectors come from all backgrounds, there are many physicians, dentist and scientists who find themselves intrigued with the history of medicine and who develop a serious habit of acquiring medical antiques. Dr. Robert Greenspan, a kidney specialist and the author of Medicine: Perspectives in History and Art (www.medicalhistoryandart.com) began collecting in 1974 when he was an Air Force physician. His first acquisition was a 1st edition of Sir William Osler's Principles and Practice of Medicine. Greenspan explains further how his passion for collecting medical antiques evolved: "Dr. Osler is generally considered to be the finest internist of the modern era and brought bedside teaching to medical schools in the United States, Canada, and England. This is the greatest modern textbook of medicine and reading it became a fascination. I thought it might be nice to have an autographed picture, so spent the next 15 years looking for one. As I visited medical bookstores, I began to see the same instruments about which I was reading. The adventure began and continues to this day." Established collectors of medical antiques will advise beginning collectors to be patient and selective. Greenspan suggests that collectors pick a theme when starting out and to resist the urge to "stray" into too many areas. Another tip he offers is to look for clues about the age of a collectible by considering these three elements: (1) style, (2) materials and (3) labels or markings. Greenspans private collection, plus art items gathered from various books and museums are categorized at www.collectmedicalantiques.com. While many medical antiques fetch top-dollar from serious collectors, smaller or common items like spittoons, bedpans, and old medical bottles may be fun and interesting additions to one's Halloween decor. |
|
