title: Duels, doctors and death.
abstract: Duelling as a method of settling disputes between gentlemen was practised in the British Isles and on the Continent from the 16th to the beginning of the 20th century. In early duels the victory would go to the better swordsman, but the use of pistols not only made the contest more deadly, but also more democratic. The social aspects, the indications for a challenge, the material and methods and the mortality and morbidity of the contest are considered. Mention is made of a case in which John Hunter was consulted. Its management, progress and autopsy findings are described together with Hunter's thoughts about it and the management of similar wounds.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Magee
mesh_terms: D005060:Europe; D005389:Firearms / Q000266:history; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006708:Homicide / Q000266:history; D006801:Humans; D012923:Social Class; D012945:Social Values; D013334:Students / Q000266:history; D014495:Universities / Q000266:history; D014754:Violence / Q000266:history*; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000266:history*; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000266:history*