The Joe Rogan Experience #1272 - Lindsey Fitzharris
Mar 26, 2019
Lindsey Fitzharris, a medical historian and author, uncovers the gruesome yet fascinating history of Victorian surgery. She details the chaotic origins of amputation tools and the pivotal role of Joseph Lister in advancing hygiene practices. With dark humor, she shares stories of surgical madness, including anesthesia-less mastectomies and the bizarre beliefs of the era. Fitzharris also examines the evolution of medical ethics, the legacy of vaccines, and the strange cultural impact of syphilis, all while illustrating the intersection of medicine and storytelling.
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Clockwork Saw Fail
- Lindsey Fitzharris brought a Victorian amputation saw, called the clockwork saw, to the podcast.
- Its inventor accidentally removed his assistant's fingers during a demonstration.
Listerine's Origins
- Joseph Lister developed antisepsis, germ-fighting techniques, and inspired the product Listerine.
- Listerine was initially used to treat gonorrhea, not as a mouthwash.
Liston's 300% Mortality Rate
- Victorian operating theaters were public spectacles.
- Surgeon Robert Liston, known for his speed, caused three deaths in one operation: his assistant (gangrene), the patient (gangrene), and a spectator (fright).
