Author: imsschicago

The International Museum of Surgical Science, a division of the International College of Surgeons (ICS), maintains over 10,000 square feet of public galleries committed to the history of surgery, and an exquisite permanent collection of art and artifacts from the history of Medicine. The Museum supports its Mission through medically thematized exhibitions and programs, in addition to a strong contemporary art exhibition program. The Mission of the Museum is to enrich people’s lives by enhancing their appreciation and understanding of the history, development, and advances in surgery and related subjects in health and medicine. In support of this, we are committed to: -Portraying through exhibits and other appropriate media, the art and science of surgery, and related subjects. -Providing programs and services for the education and enjoyment of the public, students, and the medical profession. -Preserving our collection for the education, inspiration, and aesthetic enrichment of future generations. -Gaining recognition as a leader among medical and health museums worldwide.
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A Note from the Library: On Obstetrics and Gender in Tokugawa-Period Japan

Published by Erin Newton Japanese historians commonly refer to the years between 1603 and 1867 as the Tokugawa Period, named for the Tokugawa Shogun whose family ruled the country during this time. It is widely considered one of the most politically stable periods in Japanese history, during which time the economy grew steadily and the … Continue reading A Note from the Library: On Obstetrics and Gender in Tokugawa-Period Japan

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A Note from the Library: De Medicina—A Complete Medical Text for its Time

Published by Nada Abdelrahim Above Left: Spine view, De medicina. Alter, ut ab almeloveenio editus est. A. 1713. Above Right: Back view, De medicina. Alter, ut ab almeloveenio editus est. A. 1713. Originally written in the first century CE, the copy of De Medicina in the IMSS’s library is “newer”— from 1713—written almost sixteen centuries … Continue reading A Note from the Library: De Medicina—A Complete Medical Text for its Time

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Plastic Surgery, Of Past and Present (Part 2)

Published by Sarah Pinsky Read Part 1 of Intern Sarah Pinsky’s blog post here: https://imss.org/2019/10/01/plastic-surgery-of-past-and-present-part-1/ Plastic Surgery in the Age of Social Media It used to be that plastic surgery was something that people might consider in middle age, but seldom admit to. Now, people as young as teenagers are getting cosmetic procedures such as … Continue reading Plastic Surgery, Of Past and Present (Part 2)

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Plastic Surgery, Of Past and Present (Part 1)

Published by Sarah Pinsky Current understanding and opinion of plastic surgery is largely based on television and social media. Since plastic surgery is so connected to these modern-day technologies, people are often surprised to learn that it is not a new medical specialty that focuses exclusively on cosmetic procedures, but rather an established practice that … Continue reading Plastic Surgery, Of Past and Present (Part 1)

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Tours, Trephinations, and Tumors: Summer as an Education Intern

Published by Anupama Suresh As I walked by the sculptures in the Hall of Immortals or peered into a glass case filled with trephined skulls, I was mesmerized by the Museum. I learned about the discoveries that made surgery possible today, from the different forms of anesthesia used to the introduction of antiseptics. I had … Continue reading Tours, Trephinations, and Tumors: Summer as an Education Intern