Abstract
Michael Crumplin worked as an orthopaedic surgeon and has been interested for many years in the techniques of surgery and, in particular, those used in the Napoleonic Wars. His study of the history of trauma is practical in that he wants to know what wounds a particular weapon produced, how the patients were treated, the details of how an operation was actually performed and how the instruments were handled.
This book, which is a very important addition to the history of surgical procedures, is the result of many years of literary and hands-on study. His chapter headings note its contents: Weapons and Wounds; Injury and Retrieval; Surgical Services on Campaign; Men of Steel; and The Surgeon's Chest. He finishes with sections describing The surgery of wounds produced in different parts of the body, a brief note on the scanty rehabilitation that was available and biographies of a few of the surgeons.
The scholarship is impeccable, the writing lucid and the production glossy with copious illustrations – although scholars may be irritated that many of them are not referenced and some may find the text in double columns difficult to read. However, this book is an essential work for those wanting to know what actually happened in the Napoleonic battles, whether their interest is passing or whether it is as a student of medical, social or military themes. No professional historian could have written this book but they will use it as an important source and be grateful for this study from a clinical colleague.