Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 1608

JAMES SYME (1799-1870) The principles of surgery. Carey & Lea 1832 xxviii, 5-375 pp., plate. 21.1 cm.

Though he never earned a medical degree, Syme was a dominant figure in Scottish surgery throughout his career, most of which was spent in the Royal Infirmary. Syme's most important accomplishments lay in the areas of amputation and excision where his surgical skill was matched by his soundness of judgment and knowledge of pathology. In addition to introducing a number of surgical innovations, Syme was one of the first to recognize the value of ether in his operations. He was also an early supporter of the concept of antisepsis as taught by his pupil and son-in-law, Lord Lister (see No. 1930). The principles of surgery was published in the United States the same year it was released in Scotland and was one of a number of highly regarded surgical texts and atlases Syme produced during his career.

See Related Record(s): 1930

Cited references: Cushing 5499 (Edinburgh ed., 1832); Waller 9436 (London ed., 1842)