Surgeons, Gunpowder, and the Renaissance

During the early modern period, surgeons engaged in fervent discussions about the best techniques for amputating fingers, toes, arms, and legs, a significant departure from medieval practices. This evolution was influenced by two major developments of the Renaissance: the rise of gunpowder warfare and the invention of the printing press.

Surgery at that time was primarily a craft learned through apprenticeships, with many surgeons focusing on minor procedures such as wound stitching and boil lancing. Major surgeries like amputations were rare due to their inherent dangers.

However, the widespread adoption of firearms and artillery forced surgeons to adapt to new forms of trauma that often necessitated immediate amputations. These weapons inflicted wounds that were particularly vulnerable to infection and gangrene, prompting surgeons to make quick decisions between performing invasive surgeries and allowing their patients to perish.

The printing press enabled surgeons to disseminate their techniques and ideas beyond the battlefield. The descriptions of these procedures, while often gruesome, reflected a practical rationale. For example, amputating a hand with a mallet and chisel could expedite the procedure, while cauterizing the wounds helped prevent excessive bleeding.

Some surgeons prioritized preserving healthy tissue, while others believed it was more crucial to reshape limbs to accommodate prostheses. This shift in perspective marked a notable change in surgical practices, where surgeons began to view the body not merely as something to be preserved, but as something they could actively mold.

Amputees, Artisans, and the Rise of Prosthetics

As surgeons explored surgical techniques, amputees began to innovate with artificial limbs. Wooden peg legs remained common for lower limb prostheses, but collaborations with artisans sparked the creation of advanced prosthetic technologies, including mechanical iron hands, by the late 15th century.

Historical records provide limited insight into the experiences of most survivors of limb amputations, with survival rates possibly plummeting to 25%. Yet among those who did survive, it was often their ingenuity and resourcefulness that aided their adaptation to new realities.

Iron hands, for instance, featured movable fingers that could lock into various positions, operated by pressing down to secure them and releasing them via a wrist mechanism. Many of these prosthetics were intricately designed, featuring detailed engravings and realistic paint.

The movement of these fingers often served more to impress observers than for practical use. The technology behind iron hands drew inspiration from locks, clocks, and other mechanical devices. In a time without standardized prosthetic models, amputees often sought custom-made solutions from artisans in the craft market.

Due to the high costs associated with these materials, iron hands were typically accessible only to the wealthy, marking a period where scholars could distinguish social class based on prosthetic designs.

The Impact of Iron Hands on Medical Culture

Iron hands played a significant role in shaping medical culture and thoughts around prosthesis usage during surgeries. However, the focus on knights as primary users of these devices has skewed our understanding of their historical significance.

The story of Götz von Berlichingen, a 16th-century German knight, exemplifies this narrow perspective. His famed "second hand" has been romanticized in literature, often depicted as a symbol of bionic strength. But recent research shows that many iron hands were not necessarily linked to warriors or even men, but rather to a variety of cultural pioneers who embraced the era's fascination with mechanical devices.

These prosthetics served not only functional purposes but also challenged the stigma associated with disability, allowing wearers to reclaim their identity. The design and innovation of iron hands influenced surgeons, who began to recognize their significance in medical practice.

Before the modern era of replaceable body parts could flourish, a fundamental reimagining of the human body was necessary. This transformation required collaboration between surgeons, amputees, and the artisans crafting their new limbs.

This article is sourced from The Conversation, a nonprofit news organization aimed at providing contextual understanding of contemporary issues. Learn more about their work or subscribe to their newsletter.

Heidi Hausse has received funding from various institutions including the Herzog August Bibliothek, the Consortium for History of Science, Technology and Medicine, and the Society of Fellows in the Humanities at Columbia University.