#1272 - Lindsey Fitzharris

Episode Timestamps

• 00:01:15

  Joseph Lister and the Butcherine Art

  • Joseph Lister applies germ theory and develops antiseptic germ-fighting techniques.
  • Listerine was named after Joseph Lister, although originally used to treat gonorrhea.
  • Lister persuades the medical community of germs in America in 1876.
• 00:04:18

  Robert Liston - The Fastest Knife in the West End

  • Robert Liston was known as the fastest knife in the West End.
  • Liston has a famous story where he accidentally causes the death of three people in one surgery.
  • Liston's surgical speed and showmanship were noteworthy in the 19th century.
• 00:09:45

  Joseph Lister and Victorian Surgery in London

  • Lectures at the Old Operating Theater, the second oldest in the world
  • Efforts to get the story into Hollywood for a cinema feature
  • Significance of Joseph Lister's contributions to surgery and anesthesia
• 00:10:49

  Mastectomies and Lithotomy: Survival Stories from the 1800s

  • Survival stories of patients undergoing mastectomy without anesthesia
  • Robert Penman's facial tumor removal by James Seim in Scotland
  • Discussion on breast cancer, mastectomy, and pre-antiseptic surgery challenges
• 00:19:38

  Barber Surgeons and the Origin of Medical Practices

  • Barber pole's red and white colors symbolized bloodletting services
  • Barber surgeons used to perform minor surgical procedures and bloodletting
  • Discussion on historical practices like bloodletting, tooth extraction, and barber pole symbolism
• 00:22:06

  Corpse Medicine and Medical Advancements

  • Historical consumption of parts like executed criminal blood for medicinal purposes
  • Advancements in medical procedures like organ transplants and grafts discussed
  • Introduction of germ theory and challenges faced by medical innovators like Joseph Lister
• 00:29:45

  Victorian Surgeons: Bloody Aprons and Colorful Hats

  • Victorian surgeons took pride in bloodied aprons as a sign of experience.
  • They were known for wearing colorful clothing like tall top hats and plaid colors.
  • The era was filled with hedonistic practices and experimentation with drugs like ether.
• 00:32:15

  The Age of Anesthesia: Discoveries and Drug Experimentation

  • Robert Liston performs the first operation under ether in 1846.
  • Ether led to experimentation and misuse, such as sniffing and drinking it.
  • The introduction of cocaine, opium, and heroin for medical purposes led to addiction and unsafe practices.
• 00:40:04

  Victorian Mummy Desecration

  • Victorians responsible for destroying mummies and using them in various ways.
  • Mysterious folk medicine influence led to strange practices like using sympathetic powder for healing.
  • Introduction of a unique Venetian plague doctor mask during the 17th century for protection from 'miasma'.
• 00:41:21

  Plague Doctor's Protective Attire and Practices

  • Invention of the plague doctor mask in the 17th century to combat diseases believed to be spread through miasma.
  • Doctors wore a full protective outfit including leather gloves, cape, and hat during the plague outbreak.
  • Practices during the plague included quarantines, using special sticks, and marking infected houses with crosses.
• 00:50:23

  Castrating Pigs and Caesarean Sections: An Unexpected Connection

  • Historical account of castrating pigs and performing caesarean sections discussed
  • Explanation of why farmers castrate pigs for better meat quality
  • Anecdotes about farming practices and wildlife in Australia
• 00:51:33

  Shrunken Heads and Academic Controversy: Uncovering Hidden History

  • Discussion on shrunken heads and the tribal tradition behind them
  • Insights on the trade and authenticity of shrunken heads
  • Personal experiences and reflections on academic criticism
• 01:00:17

  Exploring Dead Bodies and Theaters: Morbid Curiosity Unveiled

  • - Discussion on the artistic portrayal of dead bodies through science
  • - The use of dramatic poses in anatomical art for shock value
  • - Connection between theater and morbid curiosity in historical medical practices
• 01:01:21

  Theatrical Horror and Medical Experimentation: The Werewolf Surgeon

  • - Depiction of medical practices and experimentations in the 19th century
  • - Link between historical events and modern portrayals of horror in theaters
  • - Mention of key figures like Rick Baker and insights into werewolf movies
• 01:10:17

  Harold Gillies: Revolutionizing Facial and Jaw Reconstruction

  • Piercy Clair's survival story after a devastating facial injury
  • Challenges faced in getting to Harold Gillies Hospital
  • Importance of reconstructive surgeries like face transplants
• 01:15:03

  Resurrection Men and the Fight Against Body Snatchers

  • Body snatching practices in the early 19th century
  • Measures taken to protect graves and bodies from snatchers
  • Significance of dissecting bodies for medical education and advancements
• 01:20:56

  Edward Jenner and the Biggest Anti-vaxxer Protest

  • Edward Jenner invented the smallpox vaccine in the 18th century.
  • The biggest anti-vaxxer protest against Jenner occurred in the 19th century, with 100,000 people marching in Britain.
  • People feared the vaccine using cowpox would turn their children into cows.
• 01:22:08

  The Sanitizing Revolution: Lister vs. Semmelweis

  • Florence Nightingale worked on sanitation reforms in hospitals, revolutionizing nursing as a respectable profession.
  • Joseph Lister's introduction of antisepsis and germ theory transformed medical practices.
  • Ignaz Semmelweis advocated handwashing, but faced ridicule and persecution for his ideas.
• 01:31:33

  History of Anti-Masturbation Devices and Medical Beliefs

  • Discussion on historical beliefs that masturbation is bad for health dating back to the 18th century and Victorian era
  • Exploration of anti-masturbation devices like the 'jugum penis' and their uncomfortable designs
  • Relation to Reverend Graham's creation of graham crackers as a way to discourage self-pleasure
• 01:35:06

  Victorian Medical Misconceptions and the Practice of Urine Divination

  • Explanation of Victorian beliefs regarding women's reproductive health, orgasm, and hysterical tendencies
  • Insight into the medieval practice of urine diagnosis for medical conditions like diabetes
  • Humorous discussion on practitioners using urine for divination purposes to predict future health outcomes
• 01:41:10

  Syphilis in the 19th Century: The Terrifying Impact on Society

  • Barbers pulled teeth with drums in shops, causing anxiety
  • Syphilis led to loss of noses, resulting in fake noses
  • Syphilis affected soft tissues and brain, causing severe pain and mental illness
• 01:42:07

  Mercury Treatments and Bizarre Remedies for Syphilis

  • Mercury treatments were poisonous and led to teeth loss
  • People formed 'no-nose clubs' in London due to syphilis effects
  • Rhinoplasty and arm grafting were early surgical interventions for syphilis deformities