The History of Surgery in London's Museums - A Tour of The Old Operating Theatre & 4 others

[@K3LLYMHENRY]

As always Jessica goes above and beyond with the history of the macabre, which is the history of the human condition. My mum and I are visiting London and went on a tour with her today. Our tour consisted of the weird and macabre in pubs and churches. It was wonderful and Jessica is so knowledgeable! Jessica will customize the private tour as you wish but my recommendation would be to let her do her thing and you won’t be disappointed! This is not your typical tour. It’s better! The tours are in depth, educational, weird and macabre! That is where real history is found. Jessica’s tours are truly fascinating and I highly recommend Jessica to take you on any one of the tours she highlights on this channel. Her links are in the description of each of her videos 👍🏼☠️

[@LadyLeda2]

I was so born in the wrong country!!!! Can I come to England and stay?

[@alanhyt79]

After I finished my six years in the Army medical laboratory, and before I attended nursing school, I read a book called The Story Of Surgery. It covered prehistoric trepanning, then surgeries (including plastic surgery) performed in the Indus Valley 4000 years ago, and went forward from there. The barber surgeons were a trip, with their bleedings (leeches or lancet, sir?) and haircutting, a true one-stop shopping experience, haha. Germ theory and antisepsis (carbolic acid sprayed on the patient and surgical staff both during procedures), and anesthesia (ether) were also covered in depth. I found all of it both horrifying and fascinating. In nursing school, we had to rotate through the various hospital departments, including surgery, caring for a patient in pre- and post-op, plus observing the surgery, as well. I was assigned a patient with ulcerative colitis that was drug-resistant. He needed his entire large intestine removed, and the end of his small bowel sewn into a stoma on his abdomen. It was amazing to see the logical step by step process, and it was not as bad as I had feared. In fact, when the doc was palpating the small intestine for abnormalities ("Might as well give it a thorough check while we have him opened up," he told me) I wanted to scrub up and have a go, but that could not have taken place. I didn't even ask. When the doctor had removed the colon from the mesenteries using electrocautery, and was finished creating the stoma (where the colostomy bag would go) he rolled the patient on his side to remove the anus (and sew up the wound) since it would no longer be needed, and its presence would be an avenue for serious peritoneal infection. The area had been scrubbed with Betadyne but had not been shaved. The nurse responsible said, "I am so sorry, doctor. I can do it right now." The doc said, No, I'll do it." While he was shaving the perianal area, he said, "THIS REMINDS ME OF THE DAYS OF THE BARBER SURGEONS." !!! I couldn't help but laugh, and almost fell down laughing, partly because it had been over six hours in the operating room at that point. The doc looked at me and said, "Looks like you've done your homework, son." Every time I hear the term "barber surgeons" I still laugh.

[@mookzmom]

As a retired RN, I'm always stunned about primative medicine. As an elderly person, I'm ever more amazed at how relatively recent in history these ways were practiced. I'm from the days when patients were allowed to smoke in their rooms, and IV fluids were dispensed from glass bottles with no machines to regulate the drips. We had to count. Nurses wore caps and stood to allow physicians to sit at the nursing station. AIDS was stigmatized.

[@chesthoIe]

The Mutter Museum is a medical history and oddity museum that is a must visit if you are ever in Philly.

[@maggeo4156]

I would love to visit a pathology museum. I've worked in the field for 20+ years

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Maybe there is one near where you live!

[@cort-egsk8975]

Definitely would like to see a cheeky tour of the Pathology museum -

[@arthunter92]

Your channel has become my new KZbin binge since I discovered it today. Many of these museums I’ve visited multiple times but it’s a pleasure to see them through your eyes. You really need to visit the Horniman Museum if you haven’t already…

[@TheMuseumGuide]

I really need to! I’ve been once, many years ago, to visit the walrus.

[@ElsieJoy39]

As someone who spent most of my thirty three years nursing career in the operating theatre this video made me smile, as the basics never really change despite many major changes in surgery and everything connected with it.

[@mookzmom]

Grad of 1986 here. About the same amount of years. I did most everything except OR and burn units.❤

[@melaber77]

Finally got to the Hunterian this year, and I could have stayed longer than the 3 hrs I spent there! Amazing specimens, and a really thoughtful presentation

[@peterswires8439]

Jessica's videos just couldn't be better. Really impressed.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thank you!

[@chrisball3778]

Always love the macabre videos. Medieval doctors sniffing and drinking pee wasn't actually completely pointless. It was actually quite a good way of diagnosing diabetes, as people with untreated diabetes have more sugar in their urine. Unfortunately they didn't generally have very good treatments to prescribe for it. Some patients were actually to eat more. I'm so glad I live in an era where those three factors you mention in this video are widely accepted. So, so glad.

[@KatBee1742]

That’s where the full medical name - Diabetes mellitus - comes from! “Mellitus” means “honey sweet” and comes from the taste of the diabetic’s urine

[@alanhyt79]

Something I learned in medical lab school: They were still testing urine for sugar that way until the mid-1800s. Trommer tested urine with acid hydrolysis then used another reagent to look for a reaction. It was a qualitative analysis-- a positive or negative result. That was in 1841. Fehling in 1850 expanded on Trommer's work and was able to quantify urinary sugar levels. Many labs were still taste testing at that time. Pavy developed tablets that would show the presence of glucose when added to urine in the late 1800s. In 1907, Benedict refined Fehling's test to achieve greater accuracy. In 1913, Bang discovered a way to test blood for glucose levels. And in the 1940s, urine test strips were developed that changed colors depending on the glucose level. The resulting color was compared to a series of colors on the container to determine the level. We were overjoyed to be using test strips instead of tasting the urine.

[@KatBee1742]

@@alanhyt79 oh HELL yes. This is the kind of medical history I live for! Thank you!

[@celticmoon111]

I just love your videos! I was a Surgical Technologist for 15 years so I really thought this was excellent 🎉

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Wow, thank you!

[@tamarrajames3590]

I enjoyed this very much. I often bring issues like this up when people get too romantic about living in some earlier time period, as if those times were better for people. If you were wealthy, it could be better for some, but not if you became injured or ill. As odd as it may sound…most people who suffer migraines, even today, have thought trepanning sounds like a reasonable approach. Thank you for this fascinating look into the past.🖤🇨🇦

[@SoozyQnA]

I did a walking tour with you back in 2018 where you talked about Liston and Lister, and it was fascinating! I’m so happy I stumbled upon you on KZbin

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Oh that's cool! I no longer do public tours, but I do miss them sometimes!

[@rickh2015]

Did you say Pathology museum! Upload that immediately please! Love these videos...

[@PamSchrier-ij6qi]

Wonderful I’d love to go to England just to see these museums 30:35

[@SunnyOnTheInside]

I'm very impressed by the historical accuracy of this video and how it's delivered in an accessible manner 👏👏👏

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thank you! That’s very important to me.

[@allisonoleary6695]

I'm so happy I found this channel!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

I’m glad too!

[@Phoenix-Crafts]

Thank you, once again a treat whilst in pain and stuck on my couch. I love your videos

[@TheMuseumGuide]

You are so welcome!

[@lmp8932]

A perfect vlog to watch over lunch! Though some would disagree....Excellent as usual😁

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Ha! They certainly would. Thanks for watching, and "bone" appetit.

[@LadyLeda2]

I had chloroform when a was a small child. Twice. I was so sick after that, it took a good 3 days to recover from just the chloroform. Spitting into a bowl and dizzy. Did not want to lift my head off the pillow from nausea. Terrible stuff.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

I didn’t realise! How horrible.

[@L0rdOfThePies]

I love this channel and dime store adventures ☺️

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thank you!

[@jillcox6685]

I visited the Huntarian Museum after watching one of your videos. An utterly amazing experience! Thank you so much for recommending.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Great to hear!

[@jenniferryersejones9876]

Utterly fascinating! As always, Yes, to the other topics you could cover. Thanks, Jessica!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thank you! Will do!

[@Lovinglifeinseattle]

❤I cannot wait to watch this new podcast this weekend when not working

[@TheMuseumGuide]

It's here when you're ready!

[@LaurieValdez-zk3dy]

Thank you knowledge is power❤❤❤ Philadelphia USA

[@TheMuseumGuide]

You are so welcome!

[@GodWearsGucci]

Absolutely enjoyed every second of this one! Liston & Lister are the goat (s). Learned so much from this. Thank you Jessica

[@TheMuseumGuide]

So glad!

[@annettewillis2797]

Just incisive and brilliant as always Jessica! I always learn something new watching your tours! Thank goodness for Lister and his true grit and detailed research!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thank you very much!

[@robertcombs55]

Fascinating!!! would love to see you tour New Orleans'' Cities of the Dead Cemeteries!

[@Lovinglifeinseattle]

Jessica, your new podcast is a gem! Informative and so fascinating!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Yay, thank you!

[@nickgov66]

If you are looking for museums to visit, then you should consider coming to Birmingham. Amongst others, there is the police lockup museum in Steelhouse Lane, also the coffin furniture museum in the Jewellery Quarter and the back to back houses in Hurst Street, which even includes an old fashioned sweetshop. A bit further afield is The Black Country Living Museum in Dudley. 2:52

[@TheMuseumGuide]

I’ve been to the coffin museum! I definitely need to head back to make a video.

[@philiplafleur4504]

Just discovered your channel. I love an informative unembellished delivery. Other walking tour and historian channels go so overboard on adjectives. What is this, TMZ? Just give the info, tell the story concisely, exactly as you do. One Jack the Ripper tour guide could not stop calling every murder brutal but she drew it out, bruuuutalll. Argh! Another one would go one and on about how much emotion he felt visiting this historic place, yada, yada. As Jack Webb used to say, "Just the facts." Yes I know some viewers love those clickbaity channels. Not me. Enough already. Anyway, love your channel. Currently binging your past catalog. Keep up the awesome work.

[@venkatessans4232]

Fine explanation Jessica London history

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thank you!

[@WaiferThyme]

In 2021 i had cataract surgery on my eye. Without freezing or anesthesia. The "surgeon" and i use that title very loosely had allotted 20 minutes per patient and even though she had put drops in to freeze my eye, they didnt work. The first cut , i screamed. She never paused. I screamed and begged and her assistants held . Me . Down. And held my head still whilst ignoring me. Eventually, i just lay there and cried. This was in Canada in the 21st century. The memory of that day still haunts me. Then to add to my misery, a year later i found out I had been misdiagnosed by the same surgeon and did not need to be butchered at all.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

I’m so sorry that happened to you. I had a gynae procedure without anaesthesia (hysteroscopy) and it left me with serious medical trauma. I hope you’re ok.

[@laurieb3703]

W. T. F?????

[@Dwaine-ir2kt]

Great channel I love watching your videos now I no why they came out with carbolic soap your channel is addictive and your beautiful keep up the good work it's amazing I look forward to the next video take care 👍

[@Mawykins]

15:12 IM INTERESTED!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Great! Me too. 🤣

[@K3LLYMHENRY]

I’ll definitely be one of the first Patron supporters!

[@helensimpson7118]

I really enjoyed it. 😊😊

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Yay, thank you!

[@augustlusty]

Love these videos!! I'll for sure be visiting some of these museums when I visit London!! Much love from Canada :)

[@TheMuseumGuide]

That's great to hear!

[@gabriellejones9522]

Another amazing video ! Thank you for making these videos

[@TheMuseumGuide]

You're very welcome! And thank you for watching.

[@TonyLawson-gl7ue]

I love this channel. Top 5. Thanks

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thank you!

[@BekaJadexoxo]

I really need to get back to London because there is just so many museums I want to see, hopefully in the next 5 years (there isn't enough time & money for how much I want to travel)

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thankfully the museums are free!

[@BekaJadexoxo]

@@TheMuseumGuide that is always good! now if only the flights from Australia were

[@imogenx9145]

Liston wouldn't surprise me if it was true. The ego on some surgeons seems to go hand in hand with the job. Needle sticks happen constantly, as does the occasional switch of a used power tool that sprays gore over the staff. Horrible to think you could contract a life altering blood disease just by standing beside a surgeon. Love your tatts and your tours!

[@Jess-bee]

Lister, what a legend

[@TheMuseumGuide]

The GOAT

[@pwhite2579]

very interesting!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Glad you think so!

[@dallasstorm2073]

Yes! Carla Valentine!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

She's a great writer and social media presence!

[@jenniferd6242]

This content was made for me.

[@pianoprimo1715]

I'm in healthcare and never learned about the very experimental beginnings of surgical procedures. So this video was informative and provocative. Actually, surgery was "almost" a form of suicide for the patient in the 18th century; though no alternatives. Given the lack of success and knowledge of the why, what, where and hows, I'm surprised it wasn't outlawed. I think they blamed everything on pestilent night vapors; which, is a clue to germ theory.;- yet , it still seems like it was experimental "practice" for the Surgeons, which is grossly immoral. Lister was "spot on"...and thank goodness.

[@peterscrafton5212]

Very interesting indeed. More, please! I seem to remember that there was a 19th-century Viennese surgeon who reduced puerperal fever by persuading colleagues to wash their hands, thereby saving the lives of many women. I also believe that Samuel Pepys had gall stones removed in the 17th century: he kept them and annually gave a dinner on the anniversary of the operation, at which the gall stones were placed in the centre of the dining table. As always, I am open to correction

[@francescafoot9739]

Semmelweiss

[@TheMuseumGuide]

I think you're right about Pepys! And the Viennese doctor - I have heard that too. I shudder to think about that gallstone operation...

[@nadinehrastnik4094]

Ignaz Semmelweiß

[@peterscrafton5212]

@@nadinehrastnik4094 Thank you

[@marie-sophieemilypatricawa1830]

Hell yeah to cheeky sneaky stuff not everyone can see ❤❤❤

[@mattp558]

Where did you get the information that Mary Seacole was Florence Nightingales teacher?

[@TheMuseumGuide]

I misspoke- what I meant to convey was that Seacole pioneered many of the techniques Nightingale was later credited with. I’ll pin a correction!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

I must have heard this years ago, and I have been parroting it ever since. Your comment prompted me to properly research their connection, and I actually edited that sentence out of the video. Thank you!

[@mattp558]

@@TheMuseumGuide Glad the comment was useful to you. I questioned the information about Mary Seacole because it was something I hadn't heard before. I do enjoy your channel and I do like a good museum, so keep up the good work. Matt.

[@lizlyon2902]

Goodness knows because she most certainly was not! The ladies met in Malta in1855, and were only ever acquainted. Florence Nightingale trained in Germany. Mary Seacole came from Jamaica, had married and had experienced many difficulties before her nursing career. FN had access to men of influence which helped her enormously in her nursing career.

[@katm9843]

I have polycythemia vera and often joke that I would have survived the middle ages bc of leeches 😅

[@Silgor117]

The leeches certainly would have improved your chances xD Out of curiosity, would medical leeches benefit you in anyway? Wish you the best 👌

[@katm9843]

@ use enough of them then yeah lol. I’m lucky enough that it’s under control. Thanks for the well wishes ❤️

[@silverstuff182]

I worked diligently on finding out how to see the Elephant Man exhibit, whether authentic or modeled. I had to visit London in April 2024 without any answers. Can one see it somewhere? I hope curators understand that people have every intention of being respectful. We understand his situation but we want to understand more.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

No, sadly it’s not on display. It was at the now-closed Royal London Hospital Museum.

[@joannedarling502]

Im so glad i didnt have my surgeries back then ,its awful conditions

[@TheMuseumGuide]

@@joannedarling502 absolutely barbaric!

[@lordbarristertimsh8050]

Been waiting for this video, and it did not disappoint! Also, I know this doesn't have anything to do with the price of cheese and jam, but Listerine was invented in Arkansas in the late 1800s, and it was initially meant as an antiseptic, a floor cleaner, and a cure for gonorrhea, you don't want to know how that last one was applied.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Oh my god, I think I'd prefer the gonorrhea!

[@lordbarristertimsh8050]

@@TheMuseumGuide Evidently, you know exactly what I was implying, imagine how much it made me { a man } squirm.

[@lordbarristertimsh8050]

@@TheMuseumGuide Evidently, you know exactly what I was implying, before that they used lead chloride solution. Imagine how much that made me { a man } squirm.

[@rachelkelly9084]

The story at the beginning with Liston is more than likely a false rumor that was spread by rival doctors.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

I think so, too.

[@bridaw8557]

Is it ok to film in museums? If I went there, or do you need a special permission?

[@TheMuseumGuide]

You need special permission if it’s a big film crew! But not usually if it’s a phone camera or similar.

[@justcasris6991]

the 300% mortality rate story is often considered apocryphal by modern historians, joseph lister was a fantastic surgeon for his time and because of that many other surgeons had a grudge with him, it's believed that the story was maliciously created by other surgeons as a way to discredit lister and tarnish his name. even the current wikipedia article on joseph lister lists the 300% mortality rate story as true with a single reference to an un-cited, nonacademic source

[@TheMuseumGuide]

I think you mean Liston. :) that’s why I was sure to say it was probably apocryphal - he was a very good surgeon indeed. Thanks for watching!

[@oorzuis1419]

I was thinking about the Ripper (Jack) knowing that chloroform has just been introduced. and none of the victims was known to scream, operations were in the vision of the performer (before anesthetics) done, as fast as one could do. Jack is a wannabe surgeon. using chloroform to practice his skills in silence. (maybe wearing a leather apron for good measure)

[@Silgor117]

You should do a little bit more research into the Jack the Ripper case. I think you'd enjoy the in-depth analysis of victims and crime scene alike. Just so you're aware, it's believed the 5 confirmed victims of the Ripper (dubbed the "canonical five") were attacked in a blitz like fashion from behind. With the first attack being a very aggressive slash to the throat. Enough force was used during one attack, the victim was almost decapitated. Unfortunately, there was no opportunity to scream for those poor women.

[@oorzuis1419]

@@Silgor117 They were all cut in front position one never dies instantly there are a few seconds and it is not possible to put one hand on one mouth and cut one throat at the same time there was good money to be made if one could be fast in small operations it hurts, he was practising.

[@That_Emily]

gurl, you dont even need to ask. of course i wanna see the pathology place

[@TheMuseumGuide]

We're cut from the same cloth, you and I.

[@venusharris187]

Venus Harris

[@Corgis175]

Yipes.

[@venusharris187]

Layla Harris

[@dshe8637]

I don't think I want to know things that are made up and presented as if they are true.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

This is all 100% true. Anytime something is apocryphal I make that clear.

[@michaell431]

Not for me... Maybe get a good narator...

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Right? She’s just terrible. Your narration skills, on the other hand, *chef’s kiss* Oh wait.

[@WhirlyBird90]

I love you for this response. You were brilliant narrating, as always. ​@@TheMuseumGuide

[@TheMuseumGuide]

@@WhirlyBird90 these responses are my hobby

[@bazsnell3178]

You might be a brilliant museum guide but you suck at math(s). 100% (% = 1 part in 100) of ANYTHING is all you're going to get. Can't ever get MORE than that maximum of 100 parts in 100.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

No idea what you’re talking about!