Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 660

FRANçOIS TOLET (1647-1724) A treatise of lithotomy, or, Of the extraction of the stone out of the bladder. Printed by H.H. for William Cademan 1683 [8] 185 [6] pp., [20] leaves of plates. 16 cm.

Tolet, lithotomist at l'Hôpital de la Charité in Paris, first published this work in 1682 as Traité de la lithotomie. After many editions, this book remains as a classic contribution to the subject. It has here been translated by Archibald Lovell (fl. 1677). In Tolet's day lithotomy was one of the major and most dangerous of operations. Explicit directions are given for the operation in children as well as adults of both sexes. Particularly stressed is the need for careful restraint of the patient during surgery using strong assistants, straps, scarves, or cloths. The lesser and greater lateral perineal operations in men and women are described and illustrated. Among the many causes of the stone, the author named unleavened bread, waterfowl, curds, pap, old cheese, hard eggs, unripe fruits, the feet or legs of beef or pork, salted or spiced meats, and medicines which dehydrate the body. The plates depicted instruments, positioning of the patient, the use of the curved metal catheter, the making of the incision, and use of extracting clamps.

Cited references: Cushing T127 (1689 ed.); Waller 9626

Gift of John Martin, M.D.