Abstract
James Douglas (1675-1742) is considered one of the most important anatomists of the eighteenth century; he introduced meticulous and scientific methods for studying human anatomy. He is known for the “pouch of Douglas,” but his contribution is much more important. He deepened our knowledge of the anatomy of the peritoneum, located new muscles, and evolved the already recorded knowledge in a way that it could be implemented in surgery. Furthermore, he was such a famous obstetrician that even the Pope of his era admired him for his charisma.
Highlights
BackgroundJames Douglas (1675-1742), born at Badds, near Edinburgh, was one of a 12-child family, including the wellknown lithotomist John Douglas
James Douglas (1675-1742) is considered one of the most important anatomists of the eighteenth century; he introduced meticulous and scientific methods for studying human anatomy. He is known for the “pouch of Douglas,” but his contribution is much more important. He deepened our knowledge of the anatomy of the peritoneum, located new muscles, and evolved the already recorded knowledge in a way that it could be implemented in surgery
It has to be mentioned that Douglas in his book, “A Description of the Peritoneum and the Part of the Membrana Cellularis which lies on its Outside, with an Account of the True Situation of all the Abdominal Viscera” that was published in 1730 (Figure 1), described the “line of Douglas,” defining it indirectly
Summary
James Douglas (1675-1742), born at Badds, near Edinburgh, was one of a 12-child family, including the wellknown lithotomist John Douglas. It has to be mentioned that Douglas in his book, “A Description of the Peritoneum and the Part of the Membrana Cellularis which lies on its Outside, with an Account of the True Situation of all the Abdominal Viscera” that was published in 1730 (Figure 1), described the “line of Douglas,” defining it indirectly He wrote, “This being done (a longitudinal incision), we find the peritoneum closely connected to the tendon of the transversalis, scarce any vesicular substance being perceivable by the naked eye between them; and a great deal of nicety and patience is required in dividing this tendon from the peritoneum, all the way to the fleshy bellys on each side. If it had been published, undoubtedly, it would have been the greatest anatomical work of the eighteenth century [2]
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