[A comparison of surgical blades used in the antique Greek, Roman, Byzantine period and the XXTH century].

Abstract

Having started with the theory that the forms of antique surgical blades still existed during the XXth century; Greek Roman, Byzantine and the XXth century surgical blades were studied; and their similarities and differences were put forth. In accordance with the above said aim, the definitions and classification of the antique surgical blades were realized. XXth century surgical blades were picked up from the XXth century surgical instruments catalogues. The photographs of both Antique and XXth century instruments were compared according to their shapes and functions. Antique medical literatures were also studied through the writings of researchers on the subject. The surgical work of Zahrawi was also studied so as to fill up the gaps of information on the antique period, as Zahrawi's work relied greatly on the manuscripts of the antique writers. Contemplation over published material on the subject and related artifacts has opened the way to new definitions and ideas. The study has also proved that while same similar surgical blades existed both during the antique and XXth century periods; as a result of scientific and technological development, same antique instruments came to extinct during the XXth century; and same others, though having the same shape, were to function differently. This study has shown the importance of the development of surgical blades in respect to the evolution of medical technology. However, the study has also proved that sufficient researches have not been made on the subject, which is an important field of medical history.