GRAEFE, Carl Ferdinand von (1787-1840)

First edition – ”Von Graefe’s Rhinoplastik stands as the first great treatise on plastic surgery after Tagliacozzi and Carpue, and his pioneer work in introducing the Indian method and reviving the Taliacotian method of rhinoplasty in Germany stimulated the development of plastic surgery throughout Europe and in the United States.” (Gnudi & Webster) Carl von Graefe ”was the founder of modern plastic surgery, developing new methods for the formation of artificial noses (rhinoplasty) and eyelids (blepharoplasty); he also introduced the palatine suture for the treatment of congenital cleft palate. He improved the technique of Caesarean section, and was the first in Germany to excise the lower jaw and the pioneer German surgeon to ligate the innominate artery. He was professor of surgery and director of the surgical clinic at Berlin University from 1810 to 1840.” (Leonardo). His ”first outstanding success in plastic surgery came in 1809, when he replaced, by means of flaps raised from the cheek, an eyelid that had been destroyed by gangrene following erysipelas. This was the first time this particular operation, which is technically known as blepharoplasty, had been performed. He also used the Indian method for nose repair, introducing a number of refinements. But his undying claim to fame is that he pioneered a practical operation for the repair of the cleft palate and harelip, which is the basis of much modern work in this field.” (Bankoff) The plates include the most complete illustration of the arm-flap rhinoplasty after Tagliacozzi, as well as Graefe’s refinements of the Indian fore-head-flap method. Von Graefe’s use of the term ”Rhinoplastik” probably contributed to the field’s name of ”plastic surgery”.

Collation: Pp xvi, 210. With 6 folding engraved plates by E.F. Thiele (I-IV) and E. Lud. Meyer (V-VI).

Binding: Contemporary half calf, gilt ruled spine, sprinkled boards, red sprinkled edges.

References: Garrison-Morton 5738; Gnudi & Webster, pp 320-21; Bankoff, The Story of Plastic Surgery, pp 43-45; Maltz, Evolution of Plastic Surgery, pp 223-25; Leonardo, History of Surgery, p 281. Waller 3691.