Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 369

GEORGE BARTISCH (1535-ca. 1607) Ophthalmodouleia; das ist, Augendienst. Matthes Stöckel] 1583 [28] 274 [83] ll., illus. (2 superimposed), port. 29.3 cm.

The present work is regarded not only as the first systematic work on eye diseases and ophthalmic surgery but also as one of the earliest works to be printed in the vernacular rather than in the traditional Greek or Latin. As a result of his unique contributions, many authorities consider Bartisch to be the founder of modern ophthalmology. Bartisch was born in the small German village of Gräfenhain and lacked the financial means to obtain the formal education necessary to become a physician. Instead, he concentrated on surgery, served three apprenticeships, and studied with many experienced surgeons, oculists, and lithotomists. He traveled and practiced throughout Saxony, Silesia, and Bohemia and, at the time he wrote the Ophthalmodouleia, was residing in Dresden. Bartisch developed a substantial practice, an excellent reputation, and was appointed oculist to the elector of Saxony in 1588. The Ophthalmodouleia gives a clear picture of the practice of ophthalmology in the sixteenth century and discusses the causes and treatment of many injuries, infirmities, and defects of the eyes with medication, surgery, or mechanical appliances. Bartisch differentiated between various forms of cataract and stressed cleanliness in all phases of operative treatment. He extirpated the eyelashes for trichiasis and described new treatments for blepharochalasis and ptosis of the lids. Bartisch was the first to practice enucleation of the globe for neoplasms of the eye. He designed an operation for the complete removal of the eye and the contents of the orbit with a spoon-shaped instrument with one sharp edge. Bartisch excised styes, drained lachrymal fistulas and dealt effectively with ectropion. Having gained prominence through diligence and hard work, he was outspoken against poorly trained practitioners of his craft and set forth twelve ethical and moral principles that should be espoused by a good oculist. The Ophthalmodouleia is well known for its many vivid illustrations of surgical instruments, pathological conditions, and operations. The woodcuts of the eye and brain with their several superimposed flaps are in excellent condition in this copy.

Cited references: Durling 479; Garrison-Morton 5817; Waller 756; Wellcome 697

Gift of John Martin, M.D.