The Evolution of Surgery

The term surgery derives from the Greek words χέρι (hand) and ἔργον (work). However, it is likely that surgical techniques first appeared before other medical practices. Indeed, there are archeological findings dating back to the Paleolithic which suggest that some sort of surgical activity was already being carried out, such as trepanning. Furthermore, there is evidence that the Egyptians were capable of performing highly specialized surgical techniques, with doctors benefiting from the anatomical knowledge of embalmers. The first regulation of the medical profession dates back to the Old Kingdom, whereas the world’s oldest depiction of a surgical procedure—a circumcision—can be found at the entrance to the temple in Memphis. The first example of regulating the practice of physicians and surgeons can be attributed to some of the laws found in the Code of Hammurabi (1792–1759 BC), which provided for both monetary sanctions and corporal punishment in the event of medical errors.