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chelseanicoletta's review against another edition
3.0
This book is not what I was expecting. I expected to be intrigued by the science and life of Dr. Mütter, but I would say maybe 50% of this book was actually about him. (And there also wasn't a lot of mention of the "marvels" either.) A lot of this book was about other doctors and the state of medicine during the 1800s. Which, although somehwat interesting, was not what I anticipated going in.
I still plan to visit the museum post-COVID, though.
I still plan to visit the museum post-COVID, though.
ashley_choo's review against another edition
5.0
This book is the incredible true story about Thomas Mütter, a compassionate, intelligent, and passionate surgeon who, with every page of the book, gracefully eases his way into your heart in a blinding swirl of bright, colourful clothes and a charming smile.
The author's wonderful writing style flawlessly transports you to a time where medical professors would conduct amputations on a poor, desperate civilian, who would have to stay awake, in agonising pain, while hundreds of medical students would look on, eagerly taking notes with each careful slice of the scalpel.
I've never actually managed to finish a biography, and never before have I regarded a character with as much fondness as Dr. Mütter. This extraordinary book reads like an adventure story, with horrifying illnesses and deformities plaguing the victims, and the gentle saviour, the good doctor, who treated each patient with unfailing charm, kindness, and honesty. I loved every page of it.
The author's wonderful writing style flawlessly transports you to a time where medical professors would conduct amputations on a poor, desperate civilian, who would have to stay awake, in agonising pain, while hundreds of medical students would look on, eagerly taking notes with each careful slice of the scalpel.
I've never actually managed to finish a biography, and never before have I regarded a character with as much fondness as Dr. Mütter. This extraordinary book reads like an adventure story, with horrifying illnesses and deformities plaguing the victims, and the gentle saviour, the good doctor, who treated each patient with unfailing charm, kindness, and honesty. I loved every page of it.
tezmahonee's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic. Amazing narrative about an amazing man. This one has a permanent spot in my library.
harridansstew's review against another edition
4.0
It's hard to imagine a world where surgery was done without any anesthesia, but that was the norm when Mutter first was a doctor. Since he was a patient as a child himself, he knew both sides of the medical relationship. As a patient myself, this stood out: Mutter was eager to inform his patients of their upcoming procedures, he found ways to reduce suffering whenever possible, he treated those nobody else would, and he was quick to accept new innovations such as ether.
In particular, I appreciated how Aptowicz writes of the larger context. She shows why so many women had horrific burns - they wore many restrictive layers of skirts around open flames. It was a common ailment with horrific results. Mutter developed a surgery to help these women as well as techniques for those with club foot and cleft palate.
I really enjoyed this book - Mutter was a fascinating character. Aptowicz tells the story with deftness and I found myself reading through it quickly. Highly recommend.
In particular, I appreciated how Aptowicz writes of the larger context. She shows why so many women had horrific burns - they wore many restrictive layers of skirts around open flames. It was a common ailment with horrific results. Mutter developed a surgery to help these women as well as techniques for those with club foot and cleft palate.
I really enjoyed this book - Mutter was a fascinating character. Aptowicz tells the story with deftness and I found myself reading through it quickly. Highly recommend.
ghoulish_mortal's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the book. I have always wanted to visit the Mutter Museum so reading about the life of the man who made that museum possible was great.
nearly_empty_nesting's review against another edition
4.0
After completing, I’m inspired to plan a trip to visit the Mutter Museum.
I’m also glad I was not born in the age before modern medicine.
I’m also glad I was not born in the age before modern medicine.
abergland7's review against another edition
5.0
Such a great book! Interesting stories, and loved reading about Mutter, Philadelphia, and the beginnings of modern medicine.