[The process of the acceptance of modern medical techniques in Japan at the beginning of the Meiji Era: with a focus on the surgical instruments, "écraseur" and "galvanic cautery"].
In this paper, I focus on the historical analysis of the process of the introduction and acceptance of modem medical techniques in Japan from the standpoints of medical assessments by Japanese doctors at that time. The "écraseur" and "galvanic cautery" are surgical instruments which were introduced into Japan from Prussia in 1873-74. These two surgical instruments have almost the same utility, such as the removal of tumors, polypi, and other growths without the effusion of the blood. At the beginning of the Meiji era, many social facilities, for example, European style hospitals and medical schools, academic journals, industrial expositions and catalog sales of medical devices, were introduced in Japan. These social facilities were related to the transfer of the medical practices in which these surgical instruments were used. Although this transfer was achieved in a short time, it involved technology assessments by Japanese doctors from many practical standpoints, including economic viewpoints. In particular, the "galvanic cautery" served as a medical device that had significant mutual effects in the surrounding areas.
Dept. of Medical History, School of Medicine, Juntendo University.
Miyoko
M
Tsukisawa
D002425:Cautery / Q000266:history* / Q000295:instrumentation; D049672:History, 19th Century; D007564:Japan; D013525:Surgical Instruments / Q000266:history*