ABSTRACT
This chapter gives an overview of Falloppia’s teaching on the two major areas that were at the heart of Renaissance surgery, namely injuries – that is, fractures, wounds, and dislocations – and ulcers and tumors or swellings – that is, pathological changes in or right underneath the skin. Three areas where Falloppia’s teaching was to some degree original and innovative are highlighted in particular. In his lectures on the French disease, he presented what some have described as a condom, namely an appropriately shaped piece of linen, which had been soaked in medicinal substances and was to be put over the glans. In the context of ulcerating breast cancer, in particular, he called explicitly for a “palliative cure”. Finally, in his lectures on cosmetic medicine, he offered advice on the treatment of obesity, excessively large or small breasts, and other deviations from a desirable body shape. He also made it clear, however, that what exactly was considered ugly and called for medical intervention could vary from place to place.
