
#1272 - Lindsey Fitzharris
Dr. Lindsey Fitzharris is an author and medical historian. She is the creator of the popular blog, The Chirurgeon's Apprentice and the host of the YouTube video series Under the Knife. Her book "The Butchering Art: Joseph Lister's Quest to Transform the Grisly World of Victorian Medicine" is available now via Amazon.
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Key Takeaways
Victorian medical practices were often gruesome and shocking.
Understanding these practices helps demystify modern medicine's evolution.
Joseph Lister's advancements revolutionized surgery with antiseptic techniques.
This underscores the importance of hygiene in medical practices today.
Early surgical practices were incredibly risky and often traumatic for patients.
Understanding this highlights the bravery of patients and the evolution of medicine.
Antiseptic techniques greatly improved surgical outcomes compared to earlier methods.
This underscores the importance of hygiene and medical advancements in patient care.
The dual role of barber-surgeons reflects historical medical practices.
Understanding this helps us appreciate how medicine evolved from rudimentary practices.
Watch the full episode of #1272 - Lindsey Fitzharris.
Episode Timestamps
Exploring the Dark Humor of Victorian Medical Practices
- Discussion on the gruesome realities of Victorian surgery and medical history.
- Joseph Lister's contributions to germ theory and antiseptic techniques highlighted.
- The podcast features humorous anecdotes and audience reactions to medical failures.
Historical Surgery Practices and Their Gruesome Realities
- Discussion on the challenges and risks of early surgical procedures.
- Insights into historical attitudes towards surgery and patient care.
- Highlighting the evolution of surgical practices and the role of antiseptics.
Exploring Historical Medical Practices and Their Evolution
- Barber-surgeons historically performed surgeries alongside grooming services in ancient times.
- Cupping therapy and corpse medicine are examples of bizarre historical medical practices.
- Joseph Lister's germ theory revolutionized surgical practices in the 19th century.
Exploring Ancient Egyptian Mummies and Cocaine Controversy
- Ancient mummies tested positive for cocaine and nicotine, sparking debate.
- Skepticism exists regarding the authenticity of pre-Columbian contact evidence.
- Victorian era exploitation of mummies raises ethical and historical concerns.
Exploring Plague Doctor Masks and Alien Abduction Theories
- Discussion about the historical significance of plague doctor masks and their eerie appearance.
- Exploration of childhood memories and their connection to alien abduction theories.
- Commentary on modern societal changes regarding masks and public identity.
Exploring Historical Perspectives on Surgery and Cultural Practices
- Gossip originated from women assisting in childbirth, later becoming a negative term.
- C-sections were historically misunderstood, with early records involving extreme cases.
- Castration of pigs was linked to surgical methods and contributed to food production.
Exploring Historical Medical Practices and Modern Medicine
- Discussion on the evolution of medical practices from the Victorian era.
- Highlighting the importance of modern surgical techniques and their benefits.
- Exploration of public curiosity regarding anatomy and medical exhibitions.
Exploring the Intersection of Horror Movies and Victorian Medicine
- Discussion on the depiction of werewolves and Victorian medical practices in film.
- Emphasis on the morbid curiosity of audiences regarding surgical experiments.
- A personal project involving the history of plastic surgery during World War I.
The Evolution and Impact of Plastic Surgery Since WWI
- Harold Gillies pioneered plastic surgery for disfigured soldiers during WWI.
- Social media exacerbates insecurities about personal appearance, especially among youth.
- Modern advancements in reconstructive surgery improve outcomes for facial injuries.
Historical Fears of Body Snatching and Medical Progress
- Body snatching was a lucrative yet feared practice in 19th century Britain.
- The development of vaccinations sparked significant public protests and misconceptions.
- Medical students faced dangerous conditions due to dissection practices and infections.
Exploring Florence Nightingale's Impact on Nursing and Public Health
- Florence Nightingale revolutionized nursing, making it a respected profession.
- Semmelweis's handwashing advocacy was initially ridiculed but crucial for infection control.
- Victorian era obsessions, like anti-masturbation devices, reflect societal anxieties about health.
Humorous Exploration of Historical Views on Masturbation
- Discussion centers on the bizarre history of attitudes towards masturbation.
- Highlights the odd medical practices and beliefs from the Victorian era.
- Explores the humorous intersections of food, health, and sexual health.
Wigs, Syphilis, and Historical Health Practices Explored
- Discussion on 18th-century wigs and their association with syphilis among the wealthy.
- The concept of 'no-nose clubs' and syphilis treatment methods in the 19th century.
- A humorous look at historical misconceptions about cleanliness and health during past centuries.
People Mentioned
Joseph Lister
Surgeon, Pioneer of antiseptic surgery, British surgeon, pioneer of antiseptic techniques
Svelta Balabanova
Researcher, Anthropologist
Unidentified speaker
Podcast Host/Guest
Harold Gillies
Pioneer in plastic surgery
Edward Jenner
Scientist, Inventor of the smallpox vaccine
Florence Nightingale
Nurse, Social Reformer
Ignaz Semmelweis
Physician, Pioneer of Hand Hygiene
Ron Funches
Comedian
Dr. Lindsay Fitzharris
Author, Historian
Places Mentioned
Old Operating Theater, London
Museum
Munich
City
Venice
City, known for its carnival.
London
City
Books Mentioned
Butcherine Art
Not specified
The Coddling of the American Mind
Jonathan Haidt
The Butchering Art
Dr. Lindsay Fitzharris
Notable Quotes
"There's a lot of things that work, but we don't talk about failure enough."
Discussing the failures in historical medical practices.
"He could hold a leg and take it off in 30 seconds."
Describing the speed of a famous 19th-century surgeon.
"Like confidence-inspiring. doctors listening, tell patients prepare soul death."
Discussion about the bluntness of historical surgeons.
"Yeah, think would great movie Coen brothers."
Commenting on the dramatic nature of historical surgery.
"Life cheap back then."
Discussing the dangerous conditions in historical medicine.