“However slowly & imperfectly the improvements”: Joseph Jackson Lister to Joseph Lister, June 6, 1869, MS 6965/67, Wellcome Library.
“prepared to see so great a change”: Arthur Lister to Joseph Lister, Oct. 19, 1869, MS 6966/33, Wellcome Library.
“He shook me warmly”: Quoted in Godlee, Lord Lister, 244.
“We may all rejoice”: Joseph Lister, Introductory lecture delivered in the University of Edinburgh, November 8, 1869 (Edinburgh: Edmonston and Douglas, 1869), 4.
“In Mr. Syme there dies”: “[Mr Syme],” The Lancet, July 2, 1870, 22.
“There can be no hesitation”: “James Syme, F.R.S.E., D.C.L., Etc.,” British Medical Journal, July 2, 1870, 25.
“A new and great scientific discovery”: Cameron, Joseph Lister, 100.
“facts were so clear”: F. Le M. Grasett, “Reminiscences of ‘the Chief,’” in Joseph, Baron Lister: Centenary Volume, 1827–1927, ed. A. Logan Turner (Edinburgh: Oliver and Boyd, 1927), 109.
“very dreary performances”: Cheyne, Lister and His Achievement, 24.
“Anything that leads a man”: Ibid.
“I have all the entrances”: Quoted in Crowther and Dupree, Medical Lives in the Age of Surgical Revolution, 102.
“[A] pin-drop could be heard”: Martin Goldman, Lister Ward (Bristol: Adam Hilger, 1987), 61, 62.
“The patients were amazed”: Ibid., 70.
just the beginning of his work: Worboys, “Joseph Lister and the Performance of Antiseptic Surgery,” 206.
The opportunity soon presented itself: See Joseph Lister, “Observations on Ligature of Arteries on the Antiseptic System,” The Lancet, April 3, 1869, 451–55. See also T. Gibson, “Evolution of Catgut Ligatures: The Endeavours and Success of Joseph Lister and William Macewen,” British Journal of Surgery 77 (1990): 824–25.
“I have a vivid recollection”: Godlee, Lord Lister, 231.
“far more than a mere contribution”: “Professor Lister’s Latest Observations,” The Lancet, April 10, 1869, 503.
Indeed, his obsession with improving: Lister’s Commonplace Books, MS0021/4/4 (9), Royal College of Surgeons of England.
“Once a hospital has become”: Erichsen, On Hospitalism and the Causes of Death After Operations, 98.
Initially, his antiseptic system: Joseph Lister, “A Method of Antiseptic Treatment Applicable to Wounded Soldiers in the Present War,” British Medical Journal, Sept. 3, 1870, 243–44.
“It may seem strange”: Lister, “Further Evidence Regarding the Effects of the Antiseptic System of Treatment upon the Salubrity of a Surgical Hospital,” 287–88.
Those who dared to undertake: See Stanley, For Fear of Pain, 89.
“exactly as I have seen”: Thomas Keith, “Antiseptic Treatment,” The Lancet, Oct. 9, 1869, 336.
“an immense step”: E. R. Bickersteth, “Remarks on the Antiseptic Treatment of Wounds,” The Lancet, May 29, 1869, 743.
The report prompted the editor: James G. Wakley, “Hospitalism and the Antiseptic System,” The Lancet, Jan. 15, 1870, 91.
Back in Edinburgh, John Rudd Leeson: Account taken from Leeson, Lister as I Knew Him, 21–24.
11. THE QUEEN’S ABSCESS
“Truth from his lips prevailed”: Oliver Goldsmith, The Deserted Village, A Poem, 2nd ed. (London: W. Griffin, 1770), 10 (ll. 179–80).
“arm [is] no better”: “Journal Entry: Tuesday 29th August 1871,” Queen Victoria’s Journals 60:221, http://www.queenvictoriasjournals.org/home.do.
He spoke in amazement: Jonathan Hutchinson, “Dust and Disease,” British Medical Journal, Jan. 29, 1879, 118–19.
“citizens of Edinburgh”: Cameron, Joseph Lister, 88.
“I felt dreadfully nervous”: “Journal Entry: Monday 4th September 1871,” Queen Victoria’s Journals 60:224, http://www.queenvictoriasjournals.org/home.do.
“rejoiced to find nothing escape”: Quoted in Godlee, Lord Lister, 305.
Lister himself later claimed: Lister later claimed that the first time he used a rubber drainage tube was on Queen Victoria. However, there’s evidence in a letter between Lister and his father that he was using it as early as 1869, two years before he operated on the queen. It’s possible that Lister meant that this was the first instance in which he used the rubber drainage tube in an abscess. Joseph Jackson Lister to Joseph Lister, Jan. 27, 1869, MS 6965/63, Wellcome Library. See also Lord Lister, “Remarks on Some Points in the History of Antiseptic Surgery,” The Lancet, June 27, 1908, 1815.
“Gentlemen, I am the only man”: Quoted in Fisher, Joseph Lister, 194.
The two men began a lengthy correspondence: F. N. L. Pointer, “The Contemporary Scientific Background of Lister’s Achievement,” British Journal of Surgery 54 (1967): 412.
“I am extremely surprised”: Quoted in Cameron, Joseph Lister, 105.
He traveled around the country: For instance, Lister addressed the British Medical Association in Plymouth in 1871.
“conspicuous for the small amount”: James G. Wakley, “A Mirror of the Practice of Medicine and Surgery in the Hospitals in London,” The Lancet, Jan. 14, 1871, 47–48.
“shut out Mr. Lister’s germs”: Cameron, Joseph Lister, 99.
“The truth is”: Flaneur, “Antiseptic Surgery,” The Lancet, Jan. 5, 1878, 36.
“If I turn to London”: Cameron, Joseph Lister, 110–11.
“Man, but ye hae made”: Quoted in Fisher, Joseph Lister, 159.
“he did not think”: Quoted ibid.
Lister’s invitation to speak: For the reconstruction of Lister’s little-known trip through America, I am hugely indebted to Ira Rutkow’s article “Joseph Lister and His 1876 Tour of America,” Annals of Surgery 257, no. 6 (2013): 1181–87. Many of the primary sources quoted in this section were mined from his excellent article.
“At the end of four weeks”: George Derby, “Carbolic Acid in Surgery,” The Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, Oct. 31, 1867, 273.
“Mr. Lyster [sic], a surgeon”: Ibid., 272. It’s unclear why Derby misspelled Lister’s name.
“The wounds,” explained Gay: R. Lincoln, “Cases of Compound Fracture at the Massachusetts General Hospital Service of G. H. Gay, M.D.,” The Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, n.s., 1, no. 10 (1868): 146.
One physician from New York noted: Quoted in John Ashhurst, ed., Transactions of the International Medical Congress of Philadelphia, 1876 (Philadelphia: Printed for the Congress, 1877), 1028.
“Is it not to be feared”: Ibid., 532.
“A large portion of American surgeons”: Ibid.
“American physicians are renowned”: Ibid., 517, 538.
One attendee accused him: G. Shrady, “The New York Hospital,” Medical Record 13 (1878): 113.
“The hour being late”: Quoted in Ashhurst, Transactions, 42.
“Little, if any faith”: E. H. Clarke et al., A Century of American Medicine, 1776–1876 (Philadelphia: Henry C. Lea, 1876), 213.
In Chicago, Lister’s host: Fisher, Joseph Lister, 223.
“For me it changed surgery”: Quoted in James M. Edmonson, American Surgical Instruments: The History of Their Manufacture and a Directory of Instrument Makers to 1900 (San Francisco: Norman, 1997), 71.
“I had no idea”: Joseph Lister, “The Antiseptic Method of Dressing Open Wounds,” Medical Record 11 (1876): 695–96.
Lister’s lecture was recorded: Some historians have said that Lister’s lecture was recorded live on a phonograph. However, the phonograph was not invented until the following year.
“I have learned that the duty”: Henry Jacob Bigelow, “Two Lectures on the Modern Art of Promoting the Repair of Tissue,” The Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, June 5, 1879: 769–70.
“We eagerly seize this occasion”: Wrench, Lord Lister, 267–70.
“the rules of decency”: James G. Wakley, “Professor Lister,” The Lancet, March 10, 1877, 361.
“it would be a great benefit”: Quoted in Fisher, Joseph Lister, 230.
EPILOGUE: THE DARK
CURTAIN, RAISED
“It is Surgery that”: Richard Selzer, Letters to a Young Doctor (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1982), 51.
“The impairment of my speech”: Pasteur to Lister, Jan. 3, 1889, MS 6970/13 (in French), Wellcome Library.
“You have changed Surgery”: Nuland, Doctors, 380.
“like the living picture”: Quoted in Fisher, Joseph Lister, 294.
Nothing would have come of Listerine: Leon Morgenstern, “Gargling with Lister,” Journal of the American College of Surgeons 204 (2007): 495–97.
“Large hospitals were being abandoned”: Wrench, Lord Lister, 137.
In his will: Contemporary copies of the will and codicil, MS 6979/18/1-2, Wellcome Library, found in Richard K. Aspin, “Illustrations from the Wellcome Institute Library, Seeking Lister in the Wellcome Collections,” Medical History 41 (1997): 86–93.
Henceforth, the ascendancy of knowledge: Thomas Schlich, “Farmer to Industrialist: Lister’s Antisepsis and the Making of Modern Surgery in Germany,” Notes and Records of the Royal Society 67 (2013): 245.
No longer lauded: See Worboys, Spreading Germs, 24.
“We knew we were in contact”: R. H. Murray, Science and Scientists in the Nineteenth Century (London: Sheldon Press, 1925), 262.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
DIFFICULT ROADS OFTEN LEAD TO beautiful destinations. The idea for The Butchering Art came to me at a very low point in my life. Had it not been for the wonderful people who encouraged me to persevere even when I felt like giving up, it’s unlikely this book would have ever seen the light of day.
First and foremost, I would like to offer sincere thanks to my family. To my father, Michael Fitzharris, who always believed that I was a writer even when I didn’t believe it myself. And to my mother, Debbie Klebe, whose countless sacrifices throughout my childhood helped me get to where I am today. I’d also like to thank my brother, Chris Fitzharris, and his new bride, Joy Montello; my stepparents, Susan Fitzharris and Greg Klebe; and my wonderful in-laws, Graham and Sandra Teal.
Thanks also to my cousins who have been like sisters to me: Lauren Pearce, Amy Martel, and Elizabeth Wilbanks. Remember, “you belong to me!”
No matter how talented a writer may be, she is nothing without someone to champion her work. Special thanks go to my agent, Anna Sproul-Latimer at the Ross-Yoon Agency, who never abandoned hope that I would someday write a book. I promise not to make you wait as long for my second project as you did for my first. I would also like to thank Hilary Knight, who is not only an amazing talent agent, but also a dear friend.
I would especially like to thank Amanda Moon, my editor at FSG, who helped me take a little story about a Victorian surgeon and turn it into an epic tale about a transformative moment in history. Your insight and acuity are second to none. Thanks also to my brilliant research assistant, Caroline Overy, whose tireless work in the archives around London helped bring color to Lister’s story. And to Professor Michael Worboys, whose historical insights and feedback were invaluable while I was writing this book.
There are not many writers who would mention their divorce lawyer in the acknowledgments, but mine deserves special recognition. Farhana Shazady fought fiercely for my rights. Thank you for teaching me to value myself again.
I am lucky to have the support of an amazing community in the form of the Order of the Good Death. Thank you to Caitlin Doughty, our fearless leader, who has been an inspiration to me, both as a person and as a writer. And to Megan Rosenbloom and Sarah Chavez Troop, whose friendships nourish my soul. Also to Jeff Jorgensen for listening to all those late-night calls, and for believing my future could be better.
Thanks especially to Paul Koudounaris, who has always guided me wisely during pivotal moments in my life. My world is a better (and stranger) place with you in it.
There are people who have come into my life and changed its trajectory for the better. Alex Anstey crash-landed into my world many years ago. Had it not been for his creative enthusiasm, I might never have started my blog, The Chirurgeon’s Apprentice. Thank you for being such an amazing and endless source of inspiration for me.
A heartfelt thanks goes to Dr. Bill MacLehose, friend and fellow scholar. I have admired you from the moment we met. I hope there are many more “strange drinks” and fascinating conversations in our future.
I’d like to thank those of my friends who reminded me not to let my struggle become my identity. To Shannon Marie Harmon: You are the hard shell to my taco filling. And Erica Lilly: I can always count on you to be there with tiffin when I need a pick-me-up. To Jai Virdi, whose life parallels my own in so many ways: Thank you for reminding me that giving up is never an option. I’m especially grateful to Eric Michael Johnson, who encouraged me to believe in myself as a writer. And to Jillian Drujon, without whom this book would have been finished a lot earlier. Here’s to drinking too much and staying out too late.
A special thanks to my Yankee cheerleaders, Erin Reschke, Julie Cullen, Kristen Schultz, and Blair Townsend. To Shelley Estes—dreams do come true when you take a chance and choose adventure! And to the dynamic duo, Carolyn Breit and Cedric Damour. I know I can always count on you both when times get tough.
I am particularly grateful to Lori Korngiebel, whose optimism and compassion are a daily inspiration. An ocean may separate us, but we are never far apart, my soul sister. And to Edward Brooke-Hitching, Rebecca Rideal, and Dr. Joanne Paul, not only brilliant writers, but also wonderful friends. Thanks also to Sam Smith, whom I can always count on for support. Your belief in me all these years has helped me become the person I am today.
A very special thanks goes to Chris Skaife, the Ravenmaster at the Tower of London, and his beautiful wife, Jasmin, and daughter, Mickayla. Your love and encouragement have meant more to me than you could ever know. Chris, you’re next!
There are people in my life who stood by me even when doing so jeopardized old friendships. To Craig Hill, whose heart is pure gold. I am your loyal friend, forever. Thanks also to Greg Walker and Thomas Waite. Your kindness and compassion helped me through some of the darkest days of my life, and I will never forget it.
People come and go, but there are some who have been there from the very beginning. Thank you to my childhood friends who stuck with me, even during my embarrassing “vampire phase”! To Marla Ginex, Alyssa Voightmann, and Kim Malinowski—thanks for all the love and laughter. I know that no matter where life takes us, we will always have one another.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the many teachers in my life who encouraged and inspired me along the way. Here I would like to thank my fifth-grade teacher, Jeff Golob, as well as my high school English teacher Barb Fryzel. I’d also like to thank Dr. Margaret Pelling, my Ph.D. supervisor at Oxford University, who continues to be an endless source of knowledge and advice. I’d especially like to thank Dr. Michael Young, who long ago introduced me to the history of science and medicine when I was an undergraduate at Illinois Wesleyan University. Had you realized I was a freshman in your senior class, my life may have turned out differently! Thank you for your friendship and support.
And last but certainly not least, I would like to thank my wonderful husband, Adrian Teal. It is not too much to say that I would be lost without you. Each day we have together is a blessing. I look forward to a bright and happy future by your side. I love you.
INDEX
The index that appeared in the print version of this title does not match the pages in your eBook. Please use the search function on your eReading device to search for terms of interest. For your reference, the terms that appear in the print index are listed below.
Aberdeen (Scotland); University of, Hospital
Aberdeen Evening Express
Abernethy, John
abscesses; pelvic; in Queen Victoria’s armpit; in spinal tuberculosis; syphilitic
accidents, injuries due to
achromatic lens
acupressure
Agnew, D. Hayes
Agnew Clin
ic, The (Eakins)
Alcock, Thomas
allopathy
Alma, Battle of
America, see United States of America
amputations; antiseptic treatment of compound fractures versus; battlefield; ligatures for; mortality rates for; prosthetics for survivors of; surgical tools for; see also stumps
anatomical studies; comparative; microscopic
anatomical theaters
anatomizations, see dissections
Anderson, Thomas
Andral, Gabriel
anesthetics, see chloroform; ether
Anglican church
animals, experiments on
Annandale, Thomas
antiseptic system; American response to; Pasteur’s influence on development of; spontaneous generation theory refuted by; see also carbolic acid
apothecaries
Appleton, Martha
Arlidge, John Thomas
Arnott, Neil
arsenic
arteries, tying off, see ligatures
artificial insemination
Asma, Stephen
atropine
Australia
bacteria; chemicals for destruction of, see antiseptics; dissection and exposure to; surgical instruments as havens for; see also germ theory; infections, bacterial
Balfour, Isaac Bayley
Ballingall, George
Balmoral Castle (Scotland)
Barnum, P. T.
Beddoe, John
Bell, Alexander Graham
Bell, Charles
Bell, John
Berlioz, Hector
Bible
Bichat, Marie François Xavier
Bickersteth, E. R.
Bigelow, Henry Jacob
Bigelow, Jacob
Bigo (wine merchant)
biochemistry
Black, Donald Campbell
Blackwell’s Island Charity Hospital (New York)
bladder stones
Blockley Almshouse (Philadelphia)
blood coagulation
bloodletting
blood poisoning, see septicemia
Bloomsbury (London)
body snatchers
Bonaparte, Prince Jérôme
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