ABSTRACT
The American Revolution created an acute demand for good doctors, especially surgeons. Philip Syng Physick was regarded as America’s best surgeon by far. Careful dissection of human bodies is the best way for a surgeon to acquire Macabre essential knowledge inanatomy. It was also the only way until modern technology introduced models and audiovisual equipment for teaching. English and Scottish surgeons of the early nineteenth century were well-trained in anatomy and pathology. General narcosis has naturally been the ideal condition in all major operations, for both doctor and patient. American surgeons would continue to benefit as much from the pioneer tradition and military experience as from urban practice or foreign education. The modern method of inducing unconsciousness is far from poisonous. It begins with a fast-acting intravenous narcotic, usually made from barbituric acid.
