Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Gotham (2014), Edition: 1St Edition, 384 pages
Description
A mesmerizing biography of the brilliant and eccentric medical innovator who revolutionized American surgery and founded the country's most famous museum of medical oddities. Imagine undergoing an operation without anesthesia performed by a surgeon who refuses to sterilize his tools-or even wash his hands. This was the world of medicine when Thomas Dent Mütter began his trailblazing career as a plastic surgeon in Philadelphia during the middle of the nineteenth century. Although he died at just forty-eight, Mütter was an audacious medical innovator who pioneered the use of ether as anesthesia, the sterilization of surgical tools, and a compassion-based vision for helping the severely deformed, which clashed spectacularly with the sentiments of his time. Brilliant, outspoken, and brazenly handsome, Mütter was flamboyant in every aspect of his life. He wore pink silk suits to perform surgery, added an umlaut to his last name just because he could, and amassed an immense collection of medical oddities that would later form the basis of Philadelphia's Mütter Museum. Award-winning writer Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz vividly chronicles how Mütter's efforts helped establish Philadelphia as a global mecca for medical innovation-despite intense resistance from his numerous rivals. (Foremost among them : Charles D. Meigs, an influential obstetrician who loathed Mütter's "overly" modern medical opinions.) In the narrative spirit of The Devil in the White City, Dr. Mütter's Marvels interweaves an eye-opening portrait of nineteenth-century medicine with the riveting biography of a man once described as the "P.T. Barnum of the surgery room."--Provided by publisher.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member kidzdoc
I was somewhat familiar with Dr. Thomas Mütter, the famed 19th century Professor of Surgery at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, whose personal collection and funding led to the creation of The Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, which is my favorite museum of
Thomas Dent Mutter (1811-1859) was born to a mother from an established Virginia family and a father who was a hard working first generation Scottish immigrant. Although the Mutters were happy and modestly successful at the time of Thom's birth the family of four was quickly struck down by illness, and by 1818 he was an orphan with no surviving close relatives. Fortune did shine on young Thomas, as he was soon adopted by Robert Wormelely Carter, a wealthy Virginia landowner who was a distant cousin of his mother. Carter supported Thomas's educational endeavors, and after he realized that medicine was his calling he graduated from the medical school at the University of Pennsylvania at the age of 20.
After graduation Mutter (who changed his name to Mütter, in keeping with his flamboyant lifestyle and dress) sailed to Paris, where he learned the latest surgical techniques under the leading practitioners there, including the legendary Guillaume Dupuytren. He returned to Philadelphia, but he was unable to establish a successful practice as a general surgeon despite his clinical skill and growing reputation in the city's medical community. Mütter began teaching at the Medical Institute in Philadelphia, and soon afterward he joined the faculty at the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia's second medical college after the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. There he quickly became a revered instructor who was noted for his active engagement of his students during his lectures, along with his skill in the operating theater and the compassion he showed to his patients before and especially during surgery, at a time when anesthesia was limited to wine and other spirits.
Mütter was closely linked to several advancements and innovations in 19th century surgery and medicine, including the use of a patient's own skin to form surgical grafts; the utilization of ether as an effective anesthetic agent during surgery; the adoption of antiseptic techniques to reduce the likelihood of postoperative infections and puerperal (childbed) fever; and the creation of postoperative hospital wards, where patients would be closely and compassionately cared for under his watchful eye.
Sadly, Mütter suffered from ill health throughout his life, which curtailed his brilliant career as a surgeon and teacher. Fortunately he ensured his legacy with the creation of the Mütter Museum, which opened in 1863 and moved to its current location on 22nd Street between Market and Chestnut Streets in Center City Philadelphia in 1909. The museum is open to the general public seven days per week.
Aptowicz does a superb job in her portrayal of Mütter, as her interest in and enthusiasm for the surgeon shines on every page. The book is written for a general audience, and it is filled with rich detail about the history of early and mid 19th century medicine, medical education and surgery. Dr. Mütter's Marvels is a captivating study of one of the most interesting and influential physicians in American history, and I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
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medical history. However, after reading Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz's fascinating and compulsively readable biography of Mütter I realized how little I knew about him, and how influential he was to the development of modern surgery, the advancement of medicine as a science, and the reformation of medical education in Philadelphia and the United States.Thomas Dent Mutter (1811-1859) was born to a mother from an established Virginia family and a father who was a hard working first generation Scottish immigrant. Although the Mutters were happy and modestly successful at the time of Thom's birth the family of four was quickly struck down by illness, and by 1818 he was an orphan with no surviving close relatives. Fortune did shine on young Thomas, as he was soon adopted by Robert Wormelely Carter, a wealthy Virginia landowner who was a distant cousin of his mother. Carter supported Thomas's educational endeavors, and after he realized that medicine was his calling he graduated from the medical school at the University of Pennsylvania at the age of 20.
After graduation Mutter (who changed his name to Mütter, in keeping with his flamboyant lifestyle and dress) sailed to Paris, where he learned the latest surgical techniques under the leading practitioners there, including the legendary Guillaume Dupuytren. He returned to Philadelphia, but he was unable to establish a successful practice as a general surgeon despite his clinical skill and growing reputation in the city's medical community. Mütter began teaching at the Medical Institute in Philadelphia, and soon afterward he joined the faculty at the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia's second medical college after the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. There he quickly became a revered instructor who was noted for his active engagement of his students during his lectures, along with his skill in the operating theater and the compassion he showed to his patients before and especially during surgery, at a time when anesthesia was limited to wine and other spirits.
Mütter was closely linked to several advancements and innovations in 19th century surgery and medicine, including the use of a patient's own skin to form surgical grafts; the utilization of ether as an effective anesthetic agent during surgery; the adoption of antiseptic techniques to reduce the likelihood of postoperative infections and puerperal (childbed) fever; and the creation of postoperative hospital wards, where patients would be closely and compassionately cared for under his watchful eye.
Sadly, Mütter suffered from ill health throughout his life, which curtailed his brilliant career as a surgeon and teacher. Fortunately he ensured his legacy with the creation of the Mütter Museum, which opened in 1863 and moved to its current location on 22nd Street between Market and Chestnut Streets in Center City Philadelphia in 1909. The museum is open to the general public seven days per week.
Aptowicz does a superb job in her portrayal of Mütter, as her interest in and enthusiasm for the surgeon shines on every page. The book is written for a general audience, and it is filled with rich detail about the history of early and mid 19th century medicine, medical education and surgery. Dr. Mütter's Marvels is a captivating study of one of the most interesting and influential physicians in American history, and I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
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LibraryThing member mahsdad
I got this book thru the Early Review program on LibraryThing and Gotham Books. It is generally the biography of 19th Century plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Mutter, but it is also a history of the dawn of modern medical schools in Philadelphia.
I had never really heard of Dr. Mutter, except for the
The story is also about those around him, including Charles Meigs (one of the most famous obstetricians at the time), who was one of Mutter's main foes against the use of anesthesia, as well as how life in the 19th century affected how medicine was taught and practiced. Disease, overcrowding in the cities and working conditions being chief among them.
No spoilers here, cause its on the back of the book, but Mutter died very young at 48 (ironically, for me, I just turned 48 this week) due to chronic ill health. He was just hitting his stride and I wonder what more he could have accomplished if he had lived. I think its telling that a lot of the "characters" in the book have wikipedia pages, but Mutter does not. Except for the museum, he doesn't seem to be well known in modern times. This book might help remedy this for some. A fascinating book about a fascinating man.
Some interesting passages that struck me when I was reading:
"I think anesthesia is of the devil," William Atkinson, the first president of the American Dental Association said, "and I cannot give my sanction to any Satanic influence which deprives a man of the capacity to recognize law! I wish there were no such thing as anesthesia! I do not think men should be prevented from passing through what God intended them to endure!" (yikes, and I hate going to the dentist in the 21st Century)
(As Mutter began to recognize his mortality...) "Before, Mutter had felt it was his role to lead by example, to show his students the heights they should strive to reach, even though their own talents and abilities would likely never match his own. But now, Mutter realized his task was to create doctors who could replace him."
S: 8/9/14 F: 8/17/14 (9 Days)
I had never really heard of Dr. Mutter, except for the
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museum that bears his name. (A very eclectic medical collection that I would like one day to visit). The book documents his quick rise at the Jefferson Medical College as both a professor and wunderkind of surgery. He pioneered techniques that still hold his name today, was a early advocate of ether and nitrous oxide in surgery (around the mid 1840s). It was amazing both the resistance that the medical community had to anesthesia and the surgeries that they were able to accomplish WITHOUT it.The story is also about those around him, including Charles Meigs (one of the most famous obstetricians at the time), who was one of Mutter's main foes against the use of anesthesia, as well as how life in the 19th century affected how medicine was taught and practiced. Disease, overcrowding in the cities and working conditions being chief among them.
No spoilers here, cause its on the back of the book, but Mutter died very young at 48 (ironically, for me, I just turned 48 this week) due to chronic ill health. He was just hitting his stride and I wonder what more he could have accomplished if he had lived. I think its telling that a lot of the "characters" in the book have wikipedia pages, but Mutter does not. Except for the museum, he doesn't seem to be well known in modern times. This book might help remedy this for some. A fascinating book about a fascinating man.
Some interesting passages that struck me when I was reading:
"I think anesthesia is of the devil," William Atkinson, the first president of the American Dental Association said, "and I cannot give my sanction to any Satanic influence which deprives a man of the capacity to recognize law! I wish there were no such thing as anesthesia! I do not think men should be prevented from passing through what God intended them to endure!" (yikes, and I hate going to the dentist in the 21st Century)
(As Mutter began to recognize his mortality...) "Before, Mutter had felt it was his role to lead by example, to show his students the heights they should strive to reach, even though their own talents and abilities would likely never match his own. But now, Mutter realized his task was to create doctors who could replace him."
S: 8/9/14 F: 8/17/14 (9 Days)
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LibraryThing member fundevogel
Medicine, in case you don't know, is a pretty new thing. That's not to say that there haven't been doctors for thousands of years, just that until very recently they have been almost useless when they weren't actually making things worse. Arguably modern medicine started taking it's first
It's not that Mutter didn't have pride, but that his confidence was in the future of medicine and his own work ethic rather than the misguided orthodoxy that had passed for medicine for so long. He understood the stakes his patients faced and that successful treatment was about them, and not the authority or status of himself or his profession. Aptowicz tells the story of a compassionate, forward-thinking surgeon fighting the good fight for his patients and medicine at large in an era rife with suffering. And it's not for the faint-hearted. There was no such thing as anesthetic until halfway through his career. As a rule patients had to be held down to keep them from leaping up midway through a surgery and running away screaming. And even that wasn't always enough to prevent a patient from escaping. It was just hard for most people to find the cure preferrable to the disease when the knife started its work.
Under such conditions it's not hard to imagine how surgons earned the epitaph "saw bones". It was a grimm business that demanded a swift hand and an unshakable contenence. What set Mütter apart was how closely he allied himself with his patient before, during and after his surgeries. You see, Mütter's field of choice was cosmetic surgery, and cosmetic surgery was a whole other beast in the 19th century. Mütter helped person's suffering disfigurement so drastic they were unable to live normal lives. People that at the time were still commonly identified as monsters. These people knew the consequences of their conditions and this knowledge gave them the courage and determination to suffer through the pain and danger of a 19th century surgery. Working together with his patients Mütter spent time leading up to the surgery walking his patients through what would happen to prepare them mentally and massaging the appropriate areas to help them become acclimated to his touch. The level of investment Mütter put into his patients would be admirable in any age, but it is especially touching knowing that he still had to cut like any other surgeon and he wasn't depersonalizing the situation and desensitizing himself to its brutality.
There's alot here to praise, both in the writing and its subject. Honestly, Mütter comes off like a goddamn hero, and you might be surprised how often that doesn't happen in medical history. And yet, this is the book that brought me closer to fainting than any book ever has. It probably wouldn't have happened if I wasn't reading while standing in line at an under-air-conditioned DMV, but in any case, if I ever start an Industrial Revolution themed metal band I'm calling it Phossy Jaw.
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staggering steps in the 19th century. It was a brutal world rife with disease and crippling dangers for which the medical community was ill-prepared to face. Medically the biggest strike against them was a fundamental ignorance of the cause and transmission of disease and infection. But in terms of consequence it was probably the trade's elitism and proud conservatism that held them back the most. It was this that kept doctors proudly leeching, bleeding and blistering patients even as they raged at the suggestion of cross infection of patients by doctors working with dirty hands and tools in the blood-stiffened smocks they proudly wore. If this was the greatest sin of the medical community Thomas Dent Mutter practiced its corresponding virtue.It's not that Mutter didn't have pride, but that his confidence was in the future of medicine and his own work ethic rather than the misguided orthodoxy that had passed for medicine for so long. He understood the stakes his patients faced and that successful treatment was about them, and not the authority or status of himself or his profession. Aptowicz tells the story of a compassionate, forward-thinking surgeon fighting the good fight for his patients and medicine at large in an era rife with suffering. And it's not for the faint-hearted. There was no such thing as anesthetic until halfway through his career. As a rule patients had to be held down to keep them from leaping up midway through a surgery and running away screaming. And even that wasn't always enough to prevent a patient from escaping. It was just hard for most people to find the cure preferrable to the disease when the knife started its work.
Under such conditions it's not hard to imagine how surgons earned the epitaph "saw bones". It was a grimm business that demanded a swift hand and an unshakable contenence. What set Mütter apart was how closely he allied himself with his patient before, during and after his surgeries. You see, Mütter's field of choice was cosmetic surgery, and cosmetic surgery was a whole other beast in the 19th century. Mütter helped person's suffering disfigurement so drastic they were unable to live normal lives. People that at the time were still commonly identified as monsters. These people knew the consequences of their conditions and this knowledge gave them the courage and determination to suffer through the pain and danger of a 19th century surgery. Working together with his patients Mütter spent time leading up to the surgery walking his patients through what would happen to prepare them mentally and massaging the appropriate areas to help them become acclimated to his touch. The level of investment Mütter put into his patients would be admirable in any age, but it is especially touching knowing that he still had to cut like any other surgeon and he wasn't depersonalizing the situation and desensitizing himself to its brutality.
There's alot here to praise, both in the writing and its subject. Honestly, Mütter comes off like a goddamn hero, and you might be surprised how often that doesn't happen in medical history. And yet, this is the book that brought me closer to fainting than any book ever has. It probably wouldn't have happened if I wasn't reading while standing in line at an under-air-conditioned DMV, but in any case, if I ever start an Industrial Revolution themed metal band I'm calling it Phossy Jaw.
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LibraryThing member Whisper1
This is such a well-written book, that a review will be difficult to describe the beauty of the writing, and the way in which the history of Philadelphia, PA became the benchmark for the science of medicine. And, leading the way was Dr. Thomas Dent Mutter.
In the early-mid 1800's surgery was
A child of means whose parents died, Mutter became a ward of a relative. A self made man, he set out to learn as much as he could regarding the field of medicine. At that time, Paris France was the place to learn. He was enthralled by the beauty of Paris and the incredible resources available.
Returning the the United States, he attempted to open a practice. Unsuccessful in his endeavors, he slowly began to become known for his patience, ingenuity and brilliant intellect. Becoming a part of the Jefferson Medical college, he thrived in his expertise in a relatively small field of plastic surgery.
He was drawn to worse-case scenarios, and soon people who were grossly deformed came to him pleading for a "normal" life. Called "monsters", they were willing to undergo radical transformations while Mutter deftly cut away layers of scar tissue, replacing the area with what became known as the Mutter flap. He was the first to realize that grafting skin from the patient would yield the best outcome.
Historically, he practiced at a time when death was, as the author notes, an "easy place to die." Yellow Fever, TB, and scarlet fever were rampant.
As the two existing hospitals vied for prestige, The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine became the first and only medical school in the 13 American colonies now had competition of Jefferson Medical college. And, it was Thomas Mutter who was one of the shining stars that certainly assisted Jefferson to pave the way to new and improved modes of surgery and teaching.
At the end of his life, his legacy was astounding. He was respected by his peers and well loved by all pupils. He was the master of plastic surgery and helped hundreds to live a better life, free of the emotional and physical pain of severe deformities. He insisted on cleanliness in the operating room at a time time others did not connect the fact that lack of clean surgical areas lead to deaths. Personable and caring, he was one of the few doctors who insisted on knowing his patients before surgery, treating them with respect while explaining in detail what the patient would undergo in order to be free of their affliction.
He was the first to realize that a surgical patient needed to stay in a hospital setting to be closely monitored after surgery. Thus, he assisted in the need for Jefferson to build a facility to accommodate patients after surgery. He was the first in Philadelphia's hospitals to perform surgery with ether.
Instilling his knowledge to thousands of pupils during his tenure, his legacy lived on through many notable surgeons. Sadly, he died at the early age of 47. His last mandate was to ensure that his vast collection of specimens, wax moldings of the deformed, and a large volume of written text be housed in the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.
This is a fascinating book, filled with descriptions of early medicine and the advancements made at the hand of a few, with Mutter leading the way to a safer, kinder and more successful surgical mode of operation.
In the early-mid 1800's surgery was
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barbaric. Before the advent of ether, patients who needed surgery were held down, awake and could feel each painful cut as they were fully aware of each piercing of the knife. A child of means whose parents died, Mutter became a ward of a relative. A self made man, he set out to learn as much as he could regarding the field of medicine. At that time, Paris France was the place to learn. He was enthralled by the beauty of Paris and the incredible resources available.
Returning the the United States, he attempted to open a practice. Unsuccessful in his endeavors, he slowly began to become known for his patience, ingenuity and brilliant intellect. Becoming a part of the Jefferson Medical college, he thrived in his expertise in a relatively small field of plastic surgery.
He was drawn to worse-case scenarios, and soon people who were grossly deformed came to him pleading for a "normal" life. Called "monsters", they were willing to undergo radical transformations while Mutter deftly cut away layers of scar tissue, replacing the area with what became known as the Mutter flap. He was the first to realize that grafting skin from the patient would yield the best outcome.
Historically, he practiced at a time when death was, as the author notes, an "easy place to die." Yellow Fever, TB, and scarlet fever were rampant.
As the two existing hospitals vied for prestige, The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine became the first and only medical school in the 13 American colonies now had competition of Jefferson Medical college. And, it was Thomas Mutter who was one of the shining stars that certainly assisted Jefferson to pave the way to new and improved modes of surgery and teaching.
At the end of his life, his legacy was astounding. He was respected by his peers and well loved by all pupils. He was the master of plastic surgery and helped hundreds to live a better life, free of the emotional and physical pain of severe deformities. He insisted on cleanliness in the operating room at a time time others did not connect the fact that lack of clean surgical areas lead to deaths. Personable and caring, he was one of the few doctors who insisted on knowing his patients before surgery, treating them with respect while explaining in detail what the patient would undergo in order to be free of their affliction.
He was the first to realize that a surgical patient needed to stay in a hospital setting to be closely monitored after surgery. Thus, he assisted in the need for Jefferson to build a facility to accommodate patients after surgery. He was the first in Philadelphia's hospitals to perform surgery with ether.
Instilling his knowledge to thousands of pupils during his tenure, his legacy lived on through many notable surgeons. Sadly, he died at the early age of 47. His last mandate was to ensure that his vast collection of specimens, wax moldings of the deformed, and a large volume of written text be housed in the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.
This is a fascinating book, filled with descriptions of early medicine and the advancements made at the hand of a few, with Mutter leading the way to a safer, kinder and more successful surgical mode of operation.
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LibraryThing member msf59
Dr. Thomas Dent Mutter was born in 1811 and died forty-eight years later. A foreshortened life, to be sure, but the imprint and impact he left on medical history still resounds today. In Mutter's day, there was no anesthesia or sterilization of hands or medical equipment. There was also very little
I knew nothing of Mutter, before reading this book and thoroughly enjoyed this excellent biography on a fascinating American physician. The writing is smart and swift. A perfect example of narrative nonfiction.
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compassion for the patient. Procedures were done in a coldly, efficient manner and lastly, people with severe disfigurements “monsters”, as they were referred to then, were to live out there lives in shame and isolation. Mutter changed all of these things, shaping the medical community in compassionate directions and leading it into the modern era of medicine.I knew nothing of Mutter, before reading this book and thoroughly enjoyed this excellent biography on a fascinating American physician. The writing is smart and swift. A perfect example of narrative nonfiction.
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LibraryThing member Berly
[Dr Mütter's Marvels] by Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz 4.5
"A dazzling, young American surgeon who was so flamboyant and audacious that he wore colorful silk suits to perform surgery, embellished his last name with an umlaut, and was described as the 'PT Barnum of the surgery room.'"
Okay, yes he was a
In addition, this was a historically fascinating time in Philadelphia. Societal hierarchies, women's rights or the lack thereof, class struggles, racism, the differences between America and Europe. Aptowicz writes with wit and clarity, working in so many details and truths without in the least bogging down the story. It is fun, engaging, and charming. I loved this book! Anyone interested in medicine and/or history will enjoy this read.
"A dazzling, young American surgeon who was so flamboyant and audacious that he wore colorful silk suits to perform surgery, embellished his last name with an umlaut, and was described as the 'PT Barnum of the surgery room.'"
Okay, yes he was a
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character, but more importantly he was brilliant, innovative and compassionate. Mütter operated on the "monsters" society feared: cleft palates, unusual growths, the severely burned, and other oddities. He was one of the first to advocate explaining procedures to his patients; washing hands to limit infection; he developed the Mütter flap (a transplant of bridged skin, a technique used for over 150 years) and he was a forerunner in adopting the use of anesthetics. The book is filled with fascinating illustrations of his cases and photos of people, documents and instruments of the age (Mütter lived from 1811-1859). His medical collection of oddities is preserved today in the Philadelphia Mütter's Museum.In addition, this was a historically fascinating time in Philadelphia. Societal hierarchies, women's rights or the lack thereof, class struggles, racism, the differences between America and Europe. Aptowicz writes with wit and clarity, working in so many details and truths without in the least bogging down the story. It is fun, engaging, and charming. I loved this book! Anyone interested in medicine and/or history will enjoy this read.
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LibraryThing member rybie2
Dr. Mütter's Marvels is a marvelous book! It is such a perfect biography that I regret being unable to write a review that does it justice... or that adequately reflects my deep regard for it. Here are a few key aspects.
Obviously, this work is a complete biography of Thomas Dent Mütter
The writing is clear, clean, and a pleasure to read. Unlike the case in less- competent biographies, the author [Cristin O’Keefe Aptowicz] does not interject herself into the narrative, but focuses on Dr. Mütter's and his contributions to the development of 19th century medicine. I was fortunate to receive this book from LibraryThing’s Early Reviewer program in exchange for a review. I highly recommend this book.
Obviously, this work is a complete biography of Thomas Dent Mütter
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(1811-1859), the eminent surgeon and medical educator of 19th century Philadelphia. However, as the full title implies, the book also is a history of medicine (such as it was) in the early to mid- 1800s. During Dr. Mütter's short lifetime, he pioneered medical fields and life-changing treatments for people shunned by much of society. In the process, he made enemies in the medical community because of his ardent arguments that the newly- developed practice of anesthesia be adopted (yes, really!). The writing is clear, clean, and a pleasure to read. Unlike the case in less- competent biographies, the author [Cristin O’Keefe Aptowicz] does not interject herself into the narrative, but focuses on Dr. Mütter's and his contributions to the development of 19th century medicine. I was fortunate to receive this book from LibraryThing’s Early Reviewer program in exchange for a review. I highly recommend this book.
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LibraryThing member rigela
A quite interesting book, but I wouldn't necessarily market it as a biography, since the author skimps a bit on the biographical details of Mutter's adult life. The book focuses mostly on his teaching and surgical innovations as a doctor in Philadelphia, and I would have been interested in more
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information in how Mutter collected his "marvels" and similar details. Show Less
LibraryThing member tloeffler
Fascinating biography of Dr. Thomas Dent Mutter, a plastic surgeon in the first half of the 19th century, when plastic surgery was in its infancy. Mutter was a proponent of ether, sterilized tools, and overall cleanliness in a time when the more blood a physician had on his coat, the better he was
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thought of. He cared about his patients, many of whom had been deformed for years from burns or birth defects. Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. Well-written, easy to read, and extremely interesting story of a medical pioneer who gets very little press outside of his museum of oddities and specimens in Philadelphia (which is worth the trip to see). Show Less
LibraryThing member JBD1
One of those books that almost seems to be more tangent than narrative - and I was really surprised at how little the author focuses on the medical oddities collected by Mütter and more on a somewhat conventional biography (which is perfectly interesting, to be sure).
LibraryThing member Eliz12
Very well written, though this could have used an editor; there was a bit of repetition that would have been caught by a careful eye.
The title is misleading. This is not at all about Mutter's curious collection but rather the story of his career and discussion about his considerable influence on
The title is misleading. This is not at all about Mutter's curious collection but rather the story of his career and discussion about his considerable influence on
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medicine today. Show Less
LibraryThing member tymfos
In the mid-19th century, the city of Philadelphia was the great medical mecca of the United States. [Dr Mutter’s Marvels] is the story of Thomas Dent Mutter, a pioneering surgeon who spent most of his career in that City of Brotherly Love. Mutter was a trailblazer, expecially in the field of
[Dr. Mutter’s Marvels] is an engaging and informative account of the man’s life and career, and a fascinating look into the practice and politics of medicine in mid-19th-century Philadelphia. Author Christin O’Keefe Aptowicz skillfully portrays how Mutter helped to change the medical field forever amidst professional infighting which threatened to stall progress. She also looks at how, in his final days, Mutter made sure his personal collection of medical oddities and teaching tools would live on beyond him, through the establishment of Philadelphia’s Mutter Museum, administered by the Philadelphia College of Physicians.
This was a carefully researched and well-written book, one that I found utterly fascinating.
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plastic surgery. Nowadays, we often think of that specialty in terms of nose jobs and tummy tucks, but Mutter’s expertise was in correcting the deformities of those whose appearance caused them to be labeled “monsters” by society of the day. People with congenital deformities and those (often women) hideously scarred by fire flocked to him for surgical techniques that he created and which are still in use today. He was also an early champion of the use of anesthesia and antiseptic practices.[Dr. Mutter’s Marvels] is an engaging and informative account of the man’s life and career, and a fascinating look into the practice and politics of medicine in mid-19th-century Philadelphia. Author Christin O’Keefe Aptowicz skillfully portrays how Mutter helped to change the medical field forever amidst professional infighting which threatened to stall progress. She also looks at how, in his final days, Mutter made sure his personal collection of medical oddities and teaching tools would live on beyond him, through the establishment of Philadelphia’s Mutter Museum, administered by the Philadelphia College of Physicians.
This was a carefully researched and well-written book, one that I found utterly fascinating.
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LibraryThing member greeneyed_ives
In Dr. Mutter's Marvels author Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz details the life of Dr. Thomas Dent Mutter, the namesake of the famous Philadelphia Mutter Museum.
Having visited the museum, I was excited to learn more about a man whose collection was the beginning of such a strangely fascinating museum.
Aptowicz's biography is a solid one, painting a clear picture of an innovative surgeon who made it his life mission to help those deemed "monsters," and to teach compassion to a new generation of doctors. In an era where knowledge of infectious disease was sparse and surgeries were often performed under extreme circumstances, Mutter pushed for better hygiene amongst surgeons as well as promoted techniques such as ether in order to ease a patient's suffering. He also strove to make his students realize that their patients were humans, not just cases on the operating table. These patients deserved respect, compassion, and the awareness of what was about to happen.
The biography was easy to read, though in my opinion a bit jumbled. I hope that is possibly just the fault of the early reviewer copy I received, but it made some of the content appear out of place or misplaced in the time frame. For example, Aptowicz in one chapter discusses some of the famous students Mutter taught. I think it would flow better if these students had been introduced throughout the book rather than one long chapter listing their various accomplishments.
Also a bit disjointed was the depiction of Charles Meigs, the man the author uses as a foil against Mutter. We as readers are suppose to see how forward Mutter was in his thoughts when compared against Meigs, a fellow professor and doctor. While I get the purpose of the comparison, I feel like it was somewhat unnecessary. Mutter's genius is capable of standing on its own and doesn't need the foil of Meigs to showcase it.
That said, the book is worth a look if you are curious about the man behind the museum or about the history of medicine. I give it a solid three stars and would recommend it to a select group of people.
Having visited the museum, I was excited to learn more about a man whose collection was the beginning of such a strangely fascinating museum.
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The museum details many interesting and unique medical conditions, sometimes bordering on the grotesque.Aptowicz's biography is a solid one, painting a clear picture of an innovative surgeon who made it his life mission to help those deemed "monsters," and to teach compassion to a new generation of doctors. In an era where knowledge of infectious disease was sparse and surgeries were often performed under extreme circumstances, Mutter pushed for better hygiene amongst surgeons as well as promoted techniques such as ether in order to ease a patient's suffering. He also strove to make his students realize that their patients were humans, not just cases on the operating table. These patients deserved respect, compassion, and the awareness of what was about to happen.
The biography was easy to read, though in my opinion a bit jumbled. I hope that is possibly just the fault of the early reviewer copy I received, but it made some of the content appear out of place or misplaced in the time frame. For example, Aptowicz in one chapter discusses some of the famous students Mutter taught. I think it would flow better if these students had been introduced throughout the book rather than one long chapter listing their various accomplishments.
Also a bit disjointed was the depiction of Charles Meigs, the man the author uses as a foil against Mutter. We as readers are suppose to see how forward Mutter was in his thoughts when compared against Meigs, a fellow professor and doctor. While I get the purpose of the comparison, I feel like it was somewhat unnecessary. Mutter's genius is capable of standing on its own and doesn't need the foil of Meigs to showcase it.
That said, the book is worth a look if you are curious about the man behind the museum or about the history of medicine. I give it a solid three stars and would recommend it to a select group of people.
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LibraryThing member norabelle414
I've been to Dr. Mutter's museum and I enjoyed it, so I expected that this book would just be a pleasant biography of an interesting man. I was very surprised, however, when the story turned out to be so much more than that. Collecting weird medical specimens was possibly the least interesting
The writing and references in the book are fantastic. Much of the history I had never heard of before. I enjoyed it so much that I promptly bought a hardback copy for myself and a few for some friends, who really loved it as well. I can't recommend this book enough!
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thing about Dr. Mutter. He was involved with all the great minds of the time, and was at the forefront of medical technology. He had an interesting (and sad) childhood, and actually grew up near where I live. He was involved with all the great minds of the mid-1800s, at the forefront of medical technology, and deeply entrenched in medical community politics. He experimented with lots of new medical and educational techniques and focused especially on helping those who were most in need. It is truly a shame that Dr. Mutter is not routinely taught in schools, because reading about him taught me so much more about medicine and the history of the time. The Mutter Museum might be weird and fascinating, but it's the mere shadow of an even more fascinating life that ended too soon. The writing and references in the book are fantastic. Much of the history I had never heard of before. I enjoyed it so much that I promptly bought a hardback copy for myself and a few for some friends, who really loved it as well. I can't recommend this book enough!
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LibraryThing member Sullywriter
A superb biography of a remarkable visionary and a fascinating look at some of the pivotal developments in the history of modern medicine.
LibraryThing member blueraine_91
I read Dr. Mutter’s Marvels through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers and this is by far one of the best books I’ve received. Before reading this book, I had never heard of Dr. Mutter or his museum of medical marvels. As someone who works in a medical-related field, I was immediately intrigued
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by the premise of the book. I was fascinated to learn about how part of standard medical care that we take for granted—like anesthesia—were discovered and the battles that were faced to implement them. It is truly amazing how much resistance its proponents faced and almost inconceivable to imagine how they were able to accomplish such surgical feats without it. The author’s obvious enthusiasm for her subject is apparent throughout the book. The attention to detail is amazing. Not only do we get to learn about Dr. Mutter himself, but also about his colleagues (or adversaries), such as the famous obstetrician Charles Meigs, and the general development of medicine in Philadelphia, with all of its inherent scandals and in-fighting. The pictures and quotes about specific medical cases or events are also a nice touch. The book is definitely accessible to a lay audience and will hopefully increase awareness of such a fascinating part of history and one of its most influential and intriguing characters. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. Show Less
LibraryThing member Stbalbach
I'd never heard of the Mutter Museum nor Thomas Dent Mütter -- he doesn't even have a Wikipedia page. While I got some things out of the book it has some problems. The author is overly infatuated with her subject, used low quality sources, filled in the record imaginatively, and the overall story
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arch wasn't that compelling. The writing was good I just don't think the topic was up to a book-length treatment. For me it was most valuable on the horror of surgery prior to anesthesia. I hope Aptowicz finds a topic with more compelling character and story because she is a good writer. Show Less
LibraryThing member spounds
Watch out Erik Larson, you've got some serious competition in Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz. I thoroughly enjoyed her new book, Dr. Mütter's Marvels: A True Tale of Intrigue and Innovation at the Dawn of Modern Medicine, an excellent example of narrative non-fiction.
lthough well-known in his time, I
I'm not sure I would characterize this story as one of "intrigue," but "innovation" definitely! And though mentioned briefly at the beginning, the "Marvels" of the title aren't really discussed until the end, but I enjoyed Aptowicz's narrative in her acknowledgements as she described how she learned about Mütter and his marvels. Now I think I'd like to see them, too--and that's how you know you've found a really good author. I'm looking forward to more, Ms Aptowicz!
lthough well-known in his time, I
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had never heard of Dr Mütter before reading this book. Aptowicz's story, however, made him jump off the pages. She followed the familiar pattern of short chapters with punchy endings that make you want to jump to the next chapter as quickly as possible. While many others have tried this formula and can make it seem tiring, Aptowicz really nailed it. The cliffhangers never seemed contrived and really did move the story along.I'm not sure I would characterize this story as one of "intrigue," but "innovation" definitely! And though mentioned briefly at the beginning, the "Marvels" of the title aren't really discussed until the end, but I enjoyed Aptowicz's narrative in her acknowledgements as she described how she learned about Mütter and his marvels. Now I think I'd like to see them, too--and that's how you know you've found a really good author. I'm looking forward to more, Ms Aptowicz!
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LibraryThing member datrappert
This is a fascinating story about the birth of modern medicine, centered around the career of Dr. Thomas Mutter, who pioneered surgical techniques still used today, while also helping to revolutionize how doctors were trained. Mostly, he is known today by the museum in Philadelphia that bears his
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name and is full of the most gruesome of medical oddities. Ms. Aptowicz has rescued him, I hope, from only being known for that. It is, however, as much a book about that era in medicine as it is about Dr. Mutter. While his medical accomplishments are well known, his private life is missing from this book. Despite being married to the same woman for most of his life, we never learn anything significant about her or about their life together. Or why they didn't have any children. Still, this is a mostly fascinating read and introduces us to some memorable characters, mostly the doctors who oppose Mutter's new-fangled ideas (such as using an anesthetic during an amputation!) The author goes a little off track from time to time, and there is no single narrative thread or mystery to be solved that makes this as compelling a read as some of the accounts of past events in the books of other authors (e.g., Erik Larson). But I'm very happy I read the book--though still not quite ready for some of the items in Dr. Mutter's Museum. Show Less
LibraryThing member freckles1987
I received Dr. Mutter's Marvels as part of the Early Reviewers Program.
Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz spent a lot of time and effort researching this early American surgeon; it shows in the carefully constructed writing, the prolific end notes, and the easy flow of narrative.
This is an excellent
This is not a topic I have read a great deal about, but Aptowicz makes it utterly enthralling. Mutter led a short, but inspirational life. Aptowicz weaves together personal tidbits (Mutter was a bit of a dandy who indebted himself for stylish clothes and shoes even as a child) with background information on 19th century medicine, his colleagues, and his influence on modern medical procedures.
In addition to being thoroughly researched, well written, and entertaining Dr. Mutter's Marvels also includes a wonderful layout including pictures, quotes, and generally appears professional yet engaging.
Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz spent a lot of time and effort researching this early American surgeon; it shows in the carefully constructed writing, the prolific end notes, and the easy flow of narrative.
This is an excellent
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biography detailing the rather fascinating life of an American surgeon who created his own form of plastic surgery (the Mutter Flap), as well as encouraged the use of anesthesia in surgery, compassion for patients, cleanliness, and the use of "plastic" surgery to help improve the quality of life for "monsters." This is not a topic I have read a great deal about, but Aptowicz makes it utterly enthralling. Mutter led a short, but inspirational life. Aptowicz weaves together personal tidbits (Mutter was a bit of a dandy who indebted himself for stylish clothes and shoes even as a child) with background information on 19th century medicine, his colleagues, and his influence on modern medical procedures.
In addition to being thoroughly researched, well written, and entertaining Dr. Mutter's Marvels also includes a wonderful layout including pictures, quotes, and generally appears professional yet engaging.
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LibraryThing member g33kgrrl
I am trying to speed up my reading of this book, as we have a trip planned to the Mutter Museum in November! Alas grad school keeps getting in the way. What I've read so far, however, has been an interesting chronicle of Dr. Mutter's early life and the history of medicine in the United States as
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well as Paris. I'm intrigued to read further. Show Less
LibraryThing member snash
This is an excellent book! It's a biography of Dr. Thomas D. Mutter, a mini biography of numerous of his colleagues at Jefferson Medical School, and a history of medical science from about 1830 to 1855. It's engagingly written with lots of pictures. I normally read in the early morning but with
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this book I kept picking it back up with each opportunity throughout the day. Show Less
LibraryThing member lauriebrown54
A lot of people, especially ones with a bit of a macabre turn of mind, have heard of Philadelphia’s Mutter Museum. It’s a medical museum, filled with skeletons, body parts in jars, and engravings of surgeries. But collection was not meant to be some sensationalist tourist stop; Mutter’s
Dr. Thomas Dent Mutter was an amazing man. He became a doctor while young (there wasn’t as much schooling required in that era to become a doctor), studying in France where surgical techniques were far advanced from those in the US. He not only became a remarkable surgeon- he was ambidextrous- but he brought to America the practice of actually washing his hands and tools in between patients and was an early adopter of the use of anesthesia for operations. He performed a lot of reconstructive surgeries on victims of fires and accidents. He convinced the medical college to purchase some rooms that could be used for patient recovery- previously patients were put out in a cart and taken home as soon as the surgery was over. He thought of patients as actual people instead of just the operation performed on them. He instituted a lot of things we take for granted in hospitals today. Sadly, he died young.
The author has consulted many primary sources for this biography. Descriptions of the surgeries Mutter performed are taken from his own writings. It’s not just a biography of Mutter, but in many ways a biography of surgical practices in America. Very interesting and a fast read.
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collection was for teaching medical students by showing them what diseases looked like in the body so they could recognize it. He felt it was vital that specimens like these be available. Dr. Thomas Dent Mutter was an amazing man. He became a doctor while young (there wasn’t as much schooling required in that era to become a doctor), studying in France where surgical techniques were far advanced from those in the US. He not only became a remarkable surgeon- he was ambidextrous- but he brought to America the practice of actually washing his hands and tools in between patients and was an early adopter of the use of anesthesia for operations. He performed a lot of reconstructive surgeries on victims of fires and accidents. He convinced the medical college to purchase some rooms that could be used for patient recovery- previously patients were put out in a cart and taken home as soon as the surgery was over. He thought of patients as actual people instead of just the operation performed on them. He instituted a lot of things we take for granted in hospitals today. Sadly, he died young.
The author has consulted many primary sources for this biography. Descriptions of the surgeries Mutter performed are taken from his own writings. It’s not just a biography of Mutter, but in many ways a biography of surgical practices in America. Very interesting and a fast read.
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LibraryThing member pbirch01
A very well-done historical overview of a period in modern medicine told through the lens of Dr. Mütter. There were many interesting subplots and secondary characters who I thought Aptowicz did an excellent job in portraying. I learned a lot about how modern abortion came to be and I think this is
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one area that really benefited from a female author. Aptowicz was able to really bring women's health to the forefront of this book and I felt that made for a more compelling narrative. My only complaints with this book were the irregular and often comically short chapters and the awkward foreshadowing attempts that often concluded each chapter. Show Less
LibraryThing member aya.herron
The world-renowned Mütter Museum in Philadelphia features collections of anatomical specimens, medical instruments, and models. Visitors come from around the world to marvel at the various specimens. But how did these collections come to be housed together? Author Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz brings
Thomas Dent Mütter was orphaned as a young boy. Despite suffering from illness all his life, the young Mütter went on to pursue a degree in medicine. Eventually, his curiosity led him to the practice of plastic surgery, where he dedicated his skills to helping people labeled as "monsters" by society. Mütter's ideas and surgical techniques proved to be innovative, but his flamboyant style and popularity with students sometimes clashed with other doctors. Mütter's forward thinking lead to advances in cleanliness in the operating room, the use of anesthetic, and compassionate care.
Throughout his career, Dr. Mütter collected all types of specimens. While some may view these collections as medical oddities, Dr. Thomas Dent Mütter collected the items with the intent of supplementing his medical lectures. Due to continuing ill health, Dr. Mütter died young, but before he did, he left behind the legacy that is now the Mütter Museum.
The Bottom Line: Despite the length of the book, this was a fairly quick read. Author Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz approaches her subject with enthusiasm and compassion. Dr. Mütter was a fascinating man. He was a pioneer in his field who made many lasting contributions to the field of medicine. I especially enjoyed reading the notes written by Dr. Mütter. This well-written biography is highly recommended for readers interested in medicine, surgery, medical collections, and American history. A background in medicine is not required to understand and enjoy this book; however, descriptions of surgical procedures may bother some readers. This book contains more than 80 black and white photos and illustrations.
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us the story of the man behind the collection.Thomas Dent Mütter was orphaned as a young boy. Despite suffering from illness all his life, the young Mütter went on to pursue a degree in medicine. Eventually, his curiosity led him to the practice of plastic surgery, where he dedicated his skills to helping people labeled as "monsters" by society. Mütter's ideas and surgical techniques proved to be innovative, but his flamboyant style and popularity with students sometimes clashed with other doctors. Mütter's forward thinking lead to advances in cleanliness in the operating room, the use of anesthetic, and compassionate care.
Throughout his career, Dr. Mütter collected all types of specimens. While some may view these collections as medical oddities, Dr. Thomas Dent Mütter collected the items with the intent of supplementing his medical lectures. Due to continuing ill health, Dr. Mütter died young, but before he did, he left behind the legacy that is now the Mütter Museum.
The Bottom Line: Despite the length of the book, this was a fairly quick read. Author Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz approaches her subject with enthusiasm and compassion. Dr. Mütter was a fascinating man. He was a pioneer in his field who made many lasting contributions to the field of medicine. I especially enjoyed reading the notes written by Dr. Mütter. This well-written biography is highly recommended for readers interested in medicine, surgery, medical collections, and American history. A background in medicine is not required to understand and enjoy this book; however, descriptions of surgical procedures may bother some readers. This book contains more than 80 black and white photos and illustrations.
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Awards
The A.V. Club best books (2014)
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best: Adults (Selection — Nonfiction — 2014)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2014-09-14
Physical description
384 p.; 6.41 inches
ISBN
1592408702 / 9781592408702