Surgical And Medical Treatment In Art

The mediaeval representations of consultations between doctor and patient show just how much medicine has changed. Although on the previous page, the mediaeval surgery on haemorrhoids is a little distressing! In a wider sense, it is fascinating to see how our work has progressed over the years particularly since the Renaissance. It is also fascinating to see just how atmospheric so many of the paintings are – for example, that of Theodore Billroth operating by Sligenn. Here, we have a Master at work with seven scrubbed attendants and at least forty observers. Given the increasing numbers of medical students expected in our own medical school in Belfast, could this be the way of the future?