A Practical System of Surgery, Vol. 1 (Classic Reprint) - Hardcover

James Latta

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0267638027 ISBN 13: 9780267638024

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2019

Synopsis

Master the basics of bloodletting and its careful application in surgical practice.

This accessible guide introduces general and topical blood-letting, with practical steps, tools, and patient care tips. It explains how to prepare the patient, apply the correct bandaging, and perform precise punctures using a spear-pointed lancet to minimize pain and complications.

The text walks through common sites for venesection, how to position patients to avoid fainting, and when to adjust posture for specific conditions. It also discusses the rationale for ligatures, safe equipment, and the importance of avoiding excessive exposure of internal tissues. Alongside the technique, it includes notes on potential risks and real-case examples to illustrate decision-making in early surgical care.

• Learn the two main forms of blood-letting: general (phlebotomy and arteriotomy) and topical methods (cupping, leeches, or punctures).
• Understand preparation, patient positioning, and instrument selection to reduce pain and complications.
• See how to manage volume and flow, including when to adjust posture or apply a ligature.
• Review practical considerations, safe practice, and common pitfalls drawn from the era’s surgical guidance.

Ideal for readers seeking a clear, historically grounded view of foundational surgical procedures and how surgeons approached bloodletting in practice.

Edition details

• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0267638027
• ISBN 13: 9780267638024
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 543