by

Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz, I knew I had to read it. The book details the development of medicine in the mid-1800s. The focus of the book is

who took on the realities of nineteenth century medicine: performing complex surgeries on patients that were wide awake, in an unsterilized environment, lit by candle, lamp, or daylight."

The Ether Dome at MGH

is peppered with nitrous-addicted doctors and unfortunately-time side effects.

Dr. Mütter's Marvels has many interesting details about the history of the teaching of medicine. In addition, the book chronicles the development of the practice of obstetrics and gynecology, fields that were plagued by unscientific notions about women. There are also some really great stories about Mütter's practice as a plastic surgeon and the amazing surgical procedures he performed to transform "monsters" into humans. Finally, the book discusses Dr. Mütter's unique collection of medical specimens, which he collected throughout his life for use in his lectures . As his death neared, he was sure to find a home for his collection, which is now housed at the . Thomas Dent Mütter lived a relatively short life, but he left a significant legacy in this museum as well as in the history of medicine.





** Footnote: Women had an average of eight births at the time; one in every four births resulted in the death of a child, one in two hundred in the death of the mother. One strange fact: the first time a woman could feel the baby moving (the quickening) was the cut off for when the fetus was considered a rational soul. Thus, abortion before this time, which varies from 15-20 weeks, was not illegal. One in thirty pregnancies were terminated with an array of readily available abortifacient drugs and mild poisons. (This fascinating history of abortifacients gives additional details.)



has many interesting details about the history of the teaching of medicine. In addition, the book chronicles the development of the practice of obstetrics and gynecology, fields that were plagued by unscientific notions about women. There are also some really great stories about Mütter's practice as a plastic surgeon and the amazing surgical procedures he performed to transform "monsters" into humans. Mütter Museum . Thomas Dentlived a relatively short life, but he left a significant legacy in this museum as well as in the history of medicine.