The Gentleman's Guide to Amputation

[NH Civil War Gal]

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A hint here - it may be easier to Google "The Gentleman's Guide to Amputation" and see the whole poster, rather than trying to get into Tumblr but I have to give the correct copyright link.

This was graphic design was actually made in 2011 by the artist Onorobo. It has been around the internet and you can buy a poster of it on eBay. However, it is pretty accurate, except for the standing up part by the patient. Enjoy!

 

[JeffFromSyracuse]

This is fun, although I'm kind of bummed to learn it's 21st Century humor and not 19th Century sincerity.

 

[lelliott19]

The tongue-in-cheek drawing theoretically shows the "flap method" of amputation being done in the continuity.*

There are errors. First there is no mention of anesthesia. The patient is wide awake - in fact he is standing up, which would have never happened. It does not mention or show a tourniquet being applied, which would have also never happened. It does not show or mention tying off the blood vessels after removal of the limb which would have surely ended in an extremely unfavorable result. And it does not show retraction of the skin during the sectioning of the bone, to prevent the saw from damaging the healthy skin of the stump.

Overall, as a tongue-in-cheek representation, the drawing is entertaining and perhaps amusing. But it certainly should not be interpreted as an accurate representation of the techniques used by surgeons during the ACW --- or any other time.

*Amputations through the bone shaft are called amputation in the continuity. Amputations through a joint are called amputation in the contiguity.

 

[lupaglupa]

This poster has actually generated an entry at Snopes where they rule "false" on the claim that it is authentic. The artist did a good job at making it look like it's from the era. But really - who would want this on their wall?

 

[lelliott19]

This poster has actually generated an entry at Snopes where they rule "false" on the claim that it is authentic. The artist did a good job at making it look like it's from the era. But really - who would want this on their wall?

I might.

 

[bankerpapaw]

If I had to have an amputation, I would certainly want a Gentleman doing the job.

 

[bayouace]

Anesthesia is a good shot of whiskey and a leather strap between the teeth? Lol

 

[lupaglupa]

Anesthesia is a good shot of whiskey and a leather strap between the teeth? Lol

One shot would not be enough.

 

[Jas.]

As one officer stated during the Napoleonic Wars he'd 'rather spend one hour under artillery bombardment than 5 minutes at the field hospital'. While it was still a horrific war to be wounded in, they at least had the widespread usage of anesthesia during surgery. This was important as speed was no longer priority but allowed surgeons the time to make the stump useful for artificial limbs.

 

[gc45]

A doctor friend of mine has tools like these, he keeps them mounted in his privete office..