Initial Casting Research Articles

Overwrapping Bivalved Casts: Does the Material Matter?

Circumferential integrity of bivalved casts (cut twice longitudinally) can be restored by overwrapping with different materials. This study compared the mechanical properties of solid casts and bivalved casts overwrapped with semirigid fiberglass (SF), elastic bandages (EB), and rigid fiberglass (RF) using an overwrapped-bivalved cast-bone fracture (OBCBF) model. This study used an MTS Bionix Servohydraulic system to test properties of OBCBF models in 4 conditions: intact Control made of RF (not bivalved or overwrapped), a Rigid overwrapped model made of a Control bivalved and overwrapped with RF, a Semirigid overwrapped model made of a Control bivalved and overwrapped with SF, and an Elastic model made of a Control bivalved and overwrapped with EB. Constructs were tested in 4-point bending. Force-displacement curves (FDC) were generated to calculate load-at-critical-failure (LCF, angulation > 10 degrees = 6.6mm vertical deformation) and stiffness. Five controls and 30 OBCBF models with 3 overwrapped cast types were tested, with each overwrapped cast type tested with 2 orientations of the initial cast bivalve axis, yielding 7 conditions (Control, Rigid 0 degrees, Rigid 90 degrees, Semirigid 0 degrees, Semirigid 90 degrees, Elastic 0 degrees, Elastic 90 degrees). Mean LCF was: Rigid 90 degrees > Rigid 0 degrees > Control > Semirigid 0 degrees > Semirigid 90 degrees > Elastic 90 degrees > Elastic 0 degrees ( P <0.0001). Mean stiffness was: Rigid 0 degrees > Rigid 90 degrees > Control > Semirigid 90 degrees > Semirigid 0 degrees > Elastic 0 degrees > Elastic 90 degrees ( P <0.0001). Multiple comparisons indicated no significant difference between LCF and stiffness for Semirigid 0 degrees/90 degrees casts compared with Controls. Mechanical properties of overwrapped bivalved casts change depending on the materials used to overwrap, with higher LCF and stiffness when overwrapping with RF > SF > EB; however, mean comparisons indicate that rigid bivalved casts overwrapped with SF did not have significantly different mean stiffness and LCF from controls and other cast models. This study compares the bending properties of a bivalved cast-construct overwrapped with different materials, providing basic science evidence for orthopaedic surgeons who have several choices of materials to overwrap bivalved casts.

Midterm clinical and radiological outcomes of arthrogryposis-associated clubfoot treated with the Ponseti method: a retrospective observational study and comprehensive literature review

BackgroundThe treatment results of the Ponseti method for arthrogrypotic clubfoot have been described in only a few case series. Further evaluations are necessary.MethodsChildren from two German paediatric orthopaedic hospitals with arthrogryposis-associated clubfoot treated with the Ponseti method between 2004 and 2011 and who were at least five years of age at their last follow-up were retrospectively evaluated. The endpoints were the clinical foot position, necessary surgeries during the follow-up period and radiological constellations. A comprehensive literature review was conducted after a systematic literature search.ResultsSeventeen patients (47% with amyoplasia [AP] and 53% with distal arthrogryposis [DA]) met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-one feet were evaluated. The period between the treatment start and the last follow-up examination covered 8.9 ± 2.5 years. After the last cast removal within the initial Ponseti cast series, 74% of the clinical results were good to excellent. However, the clinical outcomes in the patients with AP were significantly worse. Overall, in 23 feet (74%), at least one major surgery at the age of 2.9 ± 2.2 years was necessary during the clinical course. Major surgeries were much more frequent on the feet of the patients with AP than with DA. Lateral X-rays showed normal age-appropriate radiological angles in 4% of the feet, hindfoot equinus in 19%, under-corrected hindfoot in 44%, under-corrected clubfoot in 26% and rocker bottom deformity in 7%. The radiological residual deformities in AP were much more severe than in DA (p = 0.042). Most of the studies reviewed (11 case series, 144 patients) reported high initial clinical correction rates, followed by high recurrence rates and the need for further surgeries.ConclusionAbout a quarter of the arthrogrypotic patients benefited from the Ponseti therapy without further major surgery. However, the clinically observed high initial correction rate after Ponseti therapy of arthrogrypotic clubfoot was not accompanied by a correction of the bony foot position in the X-rays. The feet of the patients with DA had better outcomes than those of the patients with AP. Therefore, in outcome studies, a clear distinction between patients with AP and those with DA is necessary.

Assessment of Gross Motor Skills in Ponseti-treated Children With Idiopathic Clubfoot at 3 Years Old: Insights from the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale 2.

Congenital talipes equinovarus, or clubfoot, can lead to lifelong functional impairments, including diminished gross motor skills (GMS), if left untreated. The Ponseti method corrects idiopathic clubfoot through casting and bracing. Given the importance of GMS in childhood development, this technique must be optimized to support childhood and long-term health outcomes. This study examined immediate posttreatment GMS in 3-year-old children treated with Ponseti, hypothesizing that they would perform on par with their nonclubfoot peers. Data from 45 children (33 to 46mo of age) treated for idiopathic clubfoot were analyzed. The Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, 2nd edition, was used to assess GMS, and logistic regression identified factors influencing Gross Motor Quotient (GMQ) scores. Approximately half (n=22) of the patients exhibited below-average GMS (11th to 25th percentile), with 11 scoring below the 10th percentile. Initial deformity severity, gender, and cast numbers did not impact GMQ. Repeat percutaneous tenotomy was associated with lower GMQs. Brace compliance significantly reduced odds of low GMQs by up to 80%. Age at testing and additional surgery were also linked to below-average and poor GMQs. GMS appeared to be impaired in almost half of the 3-year-old patients treated for idiopathic clubfoot, so our hypothesis was disproven. Repeat percutaneous tenotomy was associated with lower GMS, necessitating future recognition of patients who might be at risk of relapse. Brace noncompliance emerged as a significant risk factor, emphasizing early identification of these patients and education for their parents. This study offers a benchmark for clinicians and parents, but research on long-term outcomes is needed. Level II, prospective cohort study.

An implicit solution method for digital construction of temperature fields in concrete structures based on point temperature measurements

PurposeAt present, using the finite element method is difficult to efficiently and accurately construct the temperature field of mass concrete based on temperature measurement points. Thus, there is a need to propose a method for improvement.Design/methodology/approachThis study developed an implicit finite element method that digitally constructs the temperature field of mass concrete based on temperature measurement data. That is, in the proposed method of this paper, the temperature of the measuring point is also one of the boundary conditions, which real-time corrects the calculation error.FindingsIn this method, during the digital construction of the temperature field, the computed temperature approaches the actual measured value at the point of measurement with increasing iteration steps. Using this method and sufficient temperature measurement data, the errors in calculation conditions (such as the boundary conditions, the initial casting temperature and material parameters) can be automatically corrected during the iterative computation process.Originality/valueThis new method can improve calculation accuracy and allows the digitally constructed temperature field to converge to its true value with sufficient measurement data.

Assessing the Influence of Age, Weight, and Pirani Score on the Number of Casts During the Initial Phase of Clubfoot Treatment Using the Ponseti Method: A Prospective Study.

Clubfoot, also known as congenital talipes equinovarus is a prevalent childhood ailment that, if untreated, can lead to long-term discomfort and impairment. The Ponseti technique, aimed at achieving corrected foot positioning, is widely accepted. This study investigated the influence of clubfoot severity (Pirani score), patient age, and initial manipulation and casting weight on the overall number of casts needed for effective treatment. A prospective study was carried out involving 40 idiopathic clubfoot patients where manipulation and casting were performed following the Ponseti method. Patient age, weight, and foot Pirani score were evaluated concerning the total number of casts needed to achieve 70° of abduction. The majority of participants were male infants aged 4-6months, with a median age of 4.5months. Half of them weighed between 3.00 and 4.99kg at their first hospital visit, with a median weight of 3.20kg. Bilateral clubfoot involvement was common (57.5%). Children with Pirani HFCS 2.0-3 often required percutaneous tenotomy (87.5%, p value 0.05). On average, patients needed 5 casts (range 3-9). The mean total Pirani scores were 4.71 for the right foot and 4.61 for the left foot. The study reported a positive correlation between higher total Pirani scores and the required number of casts. The Pirani scoring system is highly accurate in assessing clubfoot severity and predicting treatment success. It emerged as the single most significant predictor for both the total number of casts and the need for percutaneous tenotomy.

Formation of Polyimide Membranes via Non-Solvent Induced Phase Separation: Insight from Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

Molecular dynamics simulations were applied to investigate the formation of P84 polyimide membranes through the non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) process, considering two scenarios: one using a conventional organic solvent like n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and the other a greener alternative, γ-butyrolactone (GBL), with water serving as the non-solvent. Different compositions of polymer solutions were established along the binodal boundaries of the respective systems, derived from experimental cloud point data on the ternary phase diagram. The resulting polymer membranes were analyzed and compared in terms of their morphology. The wettability of their surfaces was notably affected by the polymer content in the initial casting solution and demonstrated a correlation with the Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) specific surface area of the associated polymer nanostructures. The GBL solvent systems produced porous polymers qualitatively similar to those obtained with NMP, albeit with slightly narrower pore size distributions.

Using the Radial Shear Rolling Method for Fast and Deep Processing Technology of a Steel Ingot Cast Structure.

In advancing special materials, seamless integration into existing production chains is paramount. Beyond creating improved alloy compositions, precision in processing methods is crucial to preserve desired properties without drawbacks. The synergy between alloy formulation and processing techniques is pivotal for maximizing the benefits of innovative materials. By focusing on advanced deep processing technology for small ingots of modified 12% Cr stainless steel, this paper delves into the transformation of cast ingot steel structures using radial shear rolling (RSR) processing. Through a series of nine passes, rolling ingots from a 32 mm to a 13 mm diameter with a total elongation factor of 6.02, a notable shift occurred. This single-operation process effectuated a substantial change in sample structure, transitioning from a coarse-grained cast structure (0.5-1.5 mm) to an equiaxed fine-grained structure with peripheral grain sizes of 1-4 μm and an elongated rolling texture in the axial part of the bar. The complete transformation of the initial cast dendritic structure validates the implementation of the RSR method for the deep processing of ingots.

A ‘Hub and Spoke’ Shared Care initiative for CTEV Ponseti service

AimsThe Ponseti method is the gold standard treatment for congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), with the British Consensus Statement providing a benchmark for standard of care. Meeting these standards and providing expert care while maintaining geographical accessibility can pose a service delivery challenge. A novel ‘Hub and Spoke’ Shared Care model was initiated to deliver Ponseti treatment for CTEV, while addressing standard of care and resource allocation. The aim of this study was to assess feasibility and outcomes of the corrective phase of Ponseti service delivery using this model.MethodsPatients with idiopathic CTEV were seen in their local hospitals (‘Spokes’) for initial diagnosis and casting, followed by referral to the tertiary hospital (‘Hub’) for tenotomy. Non-idiopathic CTEV was managed solely by the Hub. Primary and secondary outcomes were achieving primary correction, and complication rates resulting in early transfer to the Hub, respectively. Consecutive data were prospectively collected and compared between patients allocated to Hub or Spokes. Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, or chi-squared tests were used for analysis (alpha-priori = 0.05, two-tailed significance).ResultsBetween 1 March 2020 and 31 March 2023, 92 patients (139 feet) were treated at the service (Hub 50%, n = 46; Spokes 50%, n = 46), of whom nine were non-idiopathic. All patients (n = 92), regardless of allocation, ultimately achieved primary correction, with idiopathic patients at the Hub requiring fewer casts than the Spokes (mean 4.0 (SD 1.4) vs 6.9 (SD 4.4); p &lt; 0.001). Overall, 60.9% of Spokes’ patients (n = 28/46) required transfer to the Hub due to complications (cast slips Hub n = 2; Spokes n = 17; p &lt; 0.001). These patients ultimately achieved full correction at the Hub.ConclusionThe Shared Care model was found to be feasible in terms of providing primary correction to all patients, with results comparable to other published services. Complication rates were higher at the Spokes, although these were correctable. Future research is needed to assess long-term outcomes, parents’ satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness.Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(11):865–872.

Phase field simulation for grain refinement in dendrite growth of A356 aluminum alloy

Although A356 aluminum alloy has poor ductility and strength, the refinement of the initial α-Al phase has shown promise in improving these properties. The impact of grain refinement mechanisms on the organization and morphology of A356 aluminum alloys has not been thoroughly investigated. In this paper, we constructed a phase field lattice-Boltzmann model to explore the influence of the refinement mechanism on the growth of α-Al dendrites during the non-isothermal solidification process of A356 aluminum alloy. The results demonstrated that the approach of alloying by adding elements, introducing forced convection, and increasing the degree of subcooling has proven to be effective in refining the dendrites of A356 aluminum alloy. The presence of Fe element further promotes the thinning of α-Al dendrites, and this effect is also found after melting ultrasonic treatment at a lower initial casting temperature. These findings are expected to provide theoretical support for effectively improving the hardness, ductility, and overall performance of Al-based alloys.

A technique to convert a 3D printed cast used in the fabrication of an interim implant-supported crown into a definitive cast capturing the acquired emergence profile.

An esthetic peri-implant soft tissue contour is a critical element of the success of implant restorations in the esthetic zone. Once the optimal transmucosal soft tissue profile is formed, it needs to be accurately replicated on the master cast. This clinical technique involves the utilization of a silicone putty positioning index placed in the patient's mouth to accurately duplicate the external contour of teeth and soft tissue. By combining this positioning index with the implant-supported interim crown, the 3D-printed initial cast, which was used to fabricate the interim crown, can be conveniently and efficiently transformed into a definitive master cast.

1061 Improving the Emergency Management of Unstable Ankle Fractures in a District General Hospital: A Quality Improvement Project

Abstract Aim To assess and improve initial casting techniques in the emergency management of unstable ankle fractures. Method All patients who underwent operative management of ankle fractures over two consecutive 3-month periods were selected, before and after an intervention. Following the first cycle, an intervention included presentation of results and teaching delivery to the Emergency Department, with agreement to advocate for backslab as preferred casting technique. Results A total of fifty-two patients were identified, with an age range of 8 to 96 years. The majority were female (63%). Initial results demonstrated 61% were managed in below ankle backslabs, 33% in full casts and 1 patient in a moonboot. Subsequent loss of reduction was demonstrated in 27% of patients. Rates were higher with full casts (45.4%) compared to backslabs (20%). Following intervention, results demonstrated a 28% increase in use of backslab casting method (89%). Only 5% were managed with a full cast (28% decrease) and 1 inappropriately discharged without immobilisation. There was a 7% decrease in overall loss of reduction (21%). There was no loss of reduction within the full cast group and 22% with backslab management. Conclusions The use of backslab immobilisation in the management of unstable ankle fractures is preferred. Following a brief intervention, rates of backslab immobilisation increased and loss of reduction decreased. Results show an improvement in casting techniques in the management of these patients in an NHS Trust.

Eosinophilic plastic bronchitis: Case series and review of the literature.

Plastic bronchitis is a term used to describe group of life-threatening disorders characterized by the presence of large obstructing casts in the airways. Eosinophilic plastic bronchitis is a subtype of plastic bronchitis that occurs mainly in children and has not been well-described in the literature. Patients may have a history of asthma or atopy, but many do not. They often present with cough and wheezing, and frequently have complete collapse of one lung seen on imaging. The severity of presentation varies depending on the location of the casts, ranging from mild symptoms to severe airway obstruction and death. Bronchoscopy is often required to both diagnose and treat this condition. A variety of medical therapies have been used, although no formal studies have evaluated their efficacy. Symptoms may resolve after initial cast removal, but in some patients, cast formation recurs. Here, we report a case series of nine patients with eosinophilic plastic bronchitis and review the existing literature of this condition.

Rapid grain refinement and compositional homogenization in a cast binary Cu50Ni alloy achieved by friction stir processing

Friction stir processing (FSP) has been increasingly adopted for joining and processing materials in automotive, aerospace and industrial construction. During FSP a dynamic competition between high-speed shear deformation and deformation-induced heating brings about a complex competition between multiple dynamic microstructural evolution mechanisms making it difficult to predict the microstructural evolution pathway. Hence, improved understanding of microstructural evolution mechanisms during FSP can be beneficial for continued growth in the adoption of FSP for demanding applications of future. Towards this goal, this study uses a model binary Cu – 50 at.% Ni alloy to clarify the effect of single and double pass FSP on the microstructural evolution of a coarse grained and compositionally heterogeneous cast microstructure. High energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction, electron backscatter diffraction, and nanoindentation are used to clarify the microstructural evolution due to FSP. The process of compositional homogenization of as-cast segregations is studied by energy dispersive spectroscopy and atom probe tomography. Our results show that a single fast FSP pass at 30 mm.s−1 produces a 100 μm deep layer of submicrometric and hall-petch hardened CuNi grains. The initial cast compositional heterogeneities in a micrometric scale is rapidly transformed to nano-sized domains, mainly confined at grain boundaries. Double pass FSP increases the penetration depth of the processed layer and leads to a 2.9 times grain growth relative to single pass FSP. Grain fragmentation, discontinuous dynamic recrystallization, grain growth, and twinning mechanisms are discussed. These results highlight the value of FSP for ultrafast grain refinement and compositional homogenization of cast alloys.

Analysis of the influence of the chemical composition and metallurgical quality of grinding balls on their operational properties

On the basis of a complex of researches carried out in laboratory and industrial conditions using standard methods of metallographic analysis and impact testing of balls, the regularities of the formation of the quality of the macro- and microstructure of grinding balls in relation to their operational resistance in the production of rail steels and specialized ball steels of various chemical compositions are determined. When studying samples of five different compositions, it was determined that grinding balls made of 76XF steel have an optimal homogeneous microstructure that provides high impact resistance in combination with increased hardness after heat treatment. Additional alloying of the specified rail steel with chromium and nickel in excess of the requirements of regulatory documentation leads to the formation of dendritic liquation in the cast structure, which decreases, but is not completely eliminated after heat treatment of the produced balls. This microstructure is defective and causes a reduced impact resistance of grinding balls. In the production of balls made of 90HAF grade hypereutectoid rail steel, cementite is present in the microstructure, which reduces the balls' resistance to shock loads; at the same time, there is no noticeable increase in the hardness of heat-treated balls compared to balls made of 76XF steel. With regard to balls made of specialized steels of grades Sh2.1 and Sh2.3, the determining effect on their impact resistance of macrostructure defects passing from the initial cast blanks has been established. The features of the quenching microstruc-ture of grinding balls made of specialized steels of the specified grades, formed by varying the modes of their heat treatment, does not significantly affect the impact resistance of the balls

Analysis of the influence of the chemical composition and metallurgical quality of grinding balls on their operational properties

On the basis of a complex of researches carried out in laboratory and industrial conditions using standard methods of metallographic analysis and impact testing of balls, the regularities of the formation of the quality of the macro- and microstructure of grinding balls in relation to their operational resistance in the production of rail steels and specialized ball steels of various chemical compositions are determined. When studying samples of five different compositions, it was&#x0D; BULLETIN «FERROUS METALLURGY» • Vol. 79 • 6• 2023 ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 485&#x0D; determined that grinding balls made of 76XF steel have an optimal homogeneous microstructure that provides high impact resistance in combination with increased hardness after heat treatment. Additional alloying of the specified rail steel with chromium and nickel in excess of the requirements of regulatory documentation leads to the formation of dendritic liquation in the cast structure, which decreases, but is not completely eliminated after heat treatment of the produced balls. This mi-crostructure is defective and causes a reduced impact resistance of grinding balls. In the production of balls made of 90HAF grade hypereutectoid rail steel, cementite is present in the microstructure, which reduces the balls' resistance to shock loads; at the same time, there is no noticeable increase in the hardness of heat-treated balls compared to balls made of 76XF steel. With regard to balls made of specialized steels of grades Sh2.1 and Sh2.3, the determining effect on their impact resistance of macrostructure defects passing from the initial cast blanks has been established. The features of the quenching microstruc-ture of grinding balls made of specialized steels of the specified grades, formed by varying the modes of their heat treatment, does not significantly affect the impact resistance of the balls

Influence of initial casting temperature on the properties and microstructure of ultra-light cement-based foam composites for energy-saving buildings

Influence of initial casting temperature on the properties and microstructure of ultra-light cement-based foam composites for energy-saving buildings

Accuracy of Indirect Veneer Mock-Up in Comparison to Diagnostic Wax-Up.

To evaluate the dimensional discrepancy between the diagnostic wax-up and the resulting mock-up. A maxillary model with misaligned teeth was scanned, and an initial cast was 3D printed. A total of 60 identical casts were 3D printed from the initial one after scanning. Based on a digital additive veneer wax-up on the six anterior teeth, 10 more casts were 3D printed. The specimens were allocated to seven groups (n = 10) as follows-group 1: transparent silicone matrix with a flowable light-cured composite resin; group 2: same as group 1 but with the addition of a prefabricated transparent tray; group 3: silicone impression putty (65 Shore A) and light-body silicone impression material with a dual-cured bisacryl resin; group 4: same as group 3 but without the light-body silicone; group 5: silicone laboratory putty (92 Shore A) with a dual-cured bisacryl resin; group 6: silicone laboratory putty (92 Shore A) with PMMA; group 7: wax-up casts (control). Scans from the mock-ups were coregistered, segmented, and superimposed with the scans from the wax-up. The difference between the mock-up and the wax-up was quantified by morphologic operations. Results were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn post hoc test (P < .05). All mock-ups were larger than the wax-up. Significant differences were found for every labial surface third. The incisal third was the least accurate third while the middle third the most accurate. The most accurate were groups 2 and 5, and the largest discrepancy was observed in group 6. The analog mock-up differs dimensionally from the wax-up, regardless of the technique/materials used.

Prevent of clogging via a mathematical model of heat transfer in submerged entry nozzle

Clogging of the steel in the submerged entry nozzle (SEN) is mainly due to the agglomeration and/or interaction of the steel with the SEN refractory material. However, the continuous casting steel also leads to clogging - the freezing of the steel in the SEN at the beginning of the casting. The freezing of the steel in the SEN results mainly in the change in the geometry, the low casting temperature of steel, the insufficient preheating of the SEN and the low initial casting speed. To eliminate the problems of steel freezing at the beginning of continuous casting, the authors solved them using a mathematical model of heat transfer in the SEN. Using the mathematical model, it is possible to simulate the layout of temperatures in the SEN and the temperature of the steel at the interface of steel - the inner surface of the SEN. To determine the temperature layout in the SEN after installation on the tundish, a method of measuring the decreased average temperatures of the SEN by free convection after heating was used. Based on the analysis of the current state using simulations in a mathematical model, it is possible to define conditions for preventing the freezing of steel in the SEN when the wall thickness or isolation thickness is changing.

Understanding the effect of basalt fibres on the structure and physical and mechanical properties of aluminium alloy AK9

This paper looks at a composite material based on Al &ndash; Si alloy of grade AК9 that was produced by mechanical stirring and reinforced with 1 and 2 wt % of basalt fibres. The paper describes the results of a study that looked at the structure and phase composition of the basalt fibres introduced. It is shown that heat treating basalt fibres at the temperatures of up to 600 oC does not change their phase composition. The authors examine the microstructures of the initial cast alloy AK9 and the alloy reinforced with basalt fibres; look at the relationship between the structure obtained after introduction of basalt fibres and the physical and mechanical properties of the alloy; carried out a fractography study of the fracture surface in reinforced alloy specimens following a series of tensile tests. The authors analyzed how reinforcing effect is achieved when basalt fibres are introduced in the aluminium alloy AK9. The experimental data indicate that the introduction of basalt fibres in the aluminium matrix significantly enhances the mechanical performance of the alloy compared with the initial alloy AK9. Thus, the tensile strength and ultimate strength rise by 40 to 55 % compared with the initial alloy, whereas the hardness rises by 20 to 35 % depending on the weight fraction of basalt fibres in the alloy.This research was funded by the Ministry of Education and Science of the&nbsp;Russian Federation under Governmental Assignment No. FSWM-2020-0028. The studies (optical and electron microscopy, tensile tests, hardness&nbsp;and microhardness tests, study of phase composition) were carried out using&nbsp;the facilities of the Tomsk Regional Shared Knowledge Centre, a part of the&nbsp;National Research Tomsk State University. Support for the Centre is provided&nbsp;by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science of the Russian Federation&nbsp;under Grant No. 075-15-2021-693 (No. 13.ЦКП.21.0012).

Philippe Quinault, Théâtre complet, iv: Tragi-comédies historiques. Édition de William Brooks et Buford Norman

This latest instalment in the edition of Philippe Quinault’s complete spoken plays covers five tragicomedies that were premiered between 1657 and 1662. They mark a turning point in his career in multiple respects: he shifts from romanesque subjects to historical material, even if the plots are largely fictional; he aims to create greater psychological depth for his main characters; he gives the political dimension more prominence. Quinault’s practice reflects a change in the conception of tragicomedy as a genre occurring at the midpoint of the century: audiences lost interest in Spanish sources, preferring plots with a more serious overall tone and a historical foundation, thus increasingly moving the genre closer to tragedy. However, that shift was gradual, and Quinault’s later tragicomedies still rely heavily on such conventional devices as misunderstandings, coincidences, disguises, forged or misconstrued letters, and babies switched in infancy. Quinault presents his characters as serious figures, though the situations in which they find or place themselves are sometimes comic. They are usually not marionettes but rather complex people with individual personalities, and they sometimes experience internal conflicts. Quinault consistently endows his sympathetic characters with ‘la belle galanterie’ (a term he uses in one of his dedications), reflecting the influence of the salons, which he was now frequently attending. That milieu is also linked to some of Quinault’s favourite stylistic devices, such as irony, paradox, and maxims and reflections (mostly about love). While Quinault’s detractors rightly note the predominance of tendresse, love assumes multiple guises, and the plays can showcase darker emotions as well. Surprise comes in many forms, including scenes where characters say the exact opposite of how they feel and what we expect from them. The increased pressure of the bienséances also influences the treatment of potentially tragic themes such as incest (skilfully, if unhistorically, avoided at the last minute in Le Mariage de Cambise and Stratonice). Two plays are closer in tone to tragedy (Amalasonte and Agrippa, where there is greater use of suspense and more melodramatic character opposition), while the other three plays have a more light-hearted feel. William Brooks and Buford Norman are meticulous in their editing. The texts are presented with great care, with only a small number of obvious errors, while the critical apparatus is of good quality. The analyses of the individual plays are solid, noting how each work fits both into the playwright’s overall corpus and the Parisian theatrical context. As leading experts on Quinault’s biography, they provide interesting and often new information about the circumstances behind the plays’ composition. They also shed new light on such matters as the plays’ initial reception and original casting, while questioning the traditional view that Nicolas Boileau was targeting Stratonice in his Satire III. These plays are enjoyable to read, but their main interest is literary-historical, as indications of popular taste (all five were well received, and some of them were very ­successful), and as marking a stage in Quinault’s evolution towards the finest works of his mature period: the late tragedies and the opera libretti.