02/10/2026
Illustration of a re-sectioning of the lower jaw from a medical text published in the first half of the 19th century. This type of operation was often performed in order to remove malignant tumors. It was done without anesthetic - as the first public demonstration of ether didn't occur until 1846.
In this era, most jaw tumors were gouged out, beginning at the center of the growth and extending to the periphery. Can you imagine being fully awake while someone cut into your face? Not only that, but the operating theaters were filthy. Surgeons rarely washed their hands or their instruments before cutting into patients as they had no concept of germs.
I'll be talking about the grisly world of Victorian surgery with Doctor Mike when I'm in NYC, and I'm bringing a lot of weird medical objects with me to show him. I just uploaded a new video to YouTube about the trip and what I'm packing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YL55sz6kepU
We'll also be discussing my new book SLEUTH-HOUND, which is about Joseph Bell, the Scottish surgeon who inspired the creation of Sherlock Holmes and was at the forefront of advances in forensics in the 19th century. I can't wait to share the episode with you!
