Barber Surgeons

What were barber surgeons?

Barber surgeons were barbers who had no formal university training. They had access to sharp blades so performed some medical procedures, such as pulling teeth, and bleeding patients to treat some illnesses.

What medical procedures did barber surgeons perform?

Barber surgeons would usually carry out the following surgeries:

• ❖ They would pull teeth.
• ❖ They also performed minor surgeries and, in some cases, even amputations.
• ❖ Bloodletting.

What were the risks in using a barber-surgeon?

A lot of people died because their wounds became infected. Barber surgeons also often over-bled their patients which resulted in death.