Die „Akiurgischen Abbildungen“ von Ernst Blasius (1802–1875)

Abstract

The work ”Akiurgische Abbildungen” (surgical illustrations) by the surgeon Ernst Blasius from Halle compiles the surgical equipment of the nineteenth century in a unique guide. Not only does it illustrate the enormous number of more than 3,000 instruments, it also impresses with its accuracy. Additionally, each instrument is explained in detail by indications and function.During the 33 years in his position as the Chair of surgery at the Friedrichs University in Halle, Blasius left behind an amazing life’s work and also trained many subsequently famous doctors. He collected the surgical and ophthalmological knowledge of his time in several textbooks. Especially their aspects concerning vascular surgery are emphasized in part II of this article.Derived from the ligature of arteries, operations on blood vessels as described by Blasius were performed in almost all topographies of the human body. However, they were carried out more or less close to the body surface. Established in France and England these operations had been utilized for almost 100 years before Blasius’ time and hence originate from a period prior to narcosis. It is thus surprising that Blasius delivers no more information about the development of vascular surgery after the introduction of narcosis.