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From Shaving to Shaving: What's Behind the Surprising Transformation of Barber Surgeons?
In medieval Europe, barber-surgeons were among the most common medical practitioners, and their work was not limited to shaving, but also included providing pre- and post-war care to soldiers. In that era, surgical procedures were often performed not by doctors with formal medical training, but by barbers who were dexterous with a razor. From tooth extractions to amputations, these barber surgeons have many tasks to perform, but the mortality rate from the surgery is quite high, mainly due to blood loss, shock and infection.
Because doctors believed that bloodletting could balance the body's "humors" and improve health, barbers also used bloodletting knives and leeches for treatment.
In medieval Europe, these barber-surgeons occupied a special position. Because of religious and hygienic monastic regulations requiring monks to maintain a clean shaven appearance, barbers in monasteries became extremely important. Each monastery needed a barber to perform bloodletting and minor surgeries. Their work was vital to society at the time. Around 1000 AD, the first recognized barber-surgeons were born in these monasteries. All of this development was due to doctors' reluctance to assume the responsibility of surgery, allowing these barber surgeons to gradually enrich this important market.
As time went on, the role of barber-surgeons in Europe began to become more defined. In Paris in the 16th century, barber surgeons were divided into "surgeons in robes" and "surgeons in robes" in terms of professional qualifications.
"Gown surgeons" need to take a formal examination, while "gown surgeons" do not, but both are collectively referred to as "barber surgeons."
This distinction persisted in France for quite some time, and to this day the social mobility of barber-surgeons is changing. In the humanistic context of the Renaissance, these surgeons gained practical experience outside of academia and gradually achieved high social status.
In England, formal recognition of barber-surgeons dates back to 1540, when the Guild of Surgeons merged with the London Barber Guild to form the Guild of Barber Surgeons. In 1745, surgeons finally broke away from the barber union and formed their own independent guild.
Strictly speaking, these surgeons follow a different path than traditional doctors, as they gain qualifications through an apprenticeship system rather than academic training.
As for Finland, relatively little research has been done on barber surgeons, but the first known barber surgeon, Hinzikinus, was active between 1324 and 1326 and was responsible for providing medical services to the then lieutenant-governor Matts Kettilmundson. . In addition, Finland's professional guilds standardized the training and charging standards for barber surgeons in the 16th century, forming a complete industry system.
In the 21st century, the connection between barbers and surgical medicine has been minimal, but some traditions remain. For example, the traditional red and white barber pole is thought to represent the blood and bandages of the past. Although surgeons in many countries are now required to obtain a medical degree, the practice of retaining the title Mr, Ms, Mrs, or Miss, rather than Dr, as doctors complete their surgical qualifications continues from ancient times.
With the development of law and medicine, the role of barber surgeons has undergone earth-shaking changes, and has triggered profound thinking about professional positioning.
The history of barber surgeons tells us that changes in the medical profession are closely related to society's perception of treatment methods. As we face modern medical challenges, should we also rethink the definition and future of the medical profession?
