[2] It was rumoured at Paris during the war, that the King of Prussia
forbid the mutilation of his soldiers from other motives than those
of humanity. Idle people spent their time in declaiming against such
barbarity, and thus ignorantly prejudiced the minds of people against
Mr. Bilguer's method. I have heard able surgeons hint this objection,
when I spoke to them concerning the present work. They acknowledged,
nevertheless, that amputations had been too common in the French
armies. I hope the publication of this little book will have two
effects; the first is, to re-establish the truth, and the second is, to
awaken in those surgeons, the feelings of humanity.
A DISSERTATION ON THE Inutility of Amputation.
Having resolved some little time since to publish in this learned
university a Dissertation which might serve as a specimen of my Medical
Acquirements, the subject which appeared the most suitable to my
purpose, is one, that may improve the art of surgery, which I practised
for several years during the heat of the late bloody wars, and may
at the same time wipe away the old aspersion, first broached at Rome
against Archagates, and so often repeated since, that surgeons are
executioners, who cut and burn without mercy.
The cutting off a limb being the severest means employed in surgery
for the relief of mankind, an operation which every one beholds with
horror, I cannot, I imagine, more effectually accomplish my design, or
do a greater service, than by demonstrating, _that the cases wherein
amputation is necessary, are much less frequent than has been hitherto
supposed, and that it may even be almost totally dispensed with_.