Spatula Mundani


Jamestown Rediscovery

Spatula Mundani

This is a surgical instrument devised by London surgeon John Woodall to treat severe cases of constipation. This life-threatening condition was thought by Woodall to be a result of scurvy. But it is more likely the result of taking large amounts of the pain-killer laudanum.

In 1609, Woodall sent a fully-equipped surgeon's chest to the Jamestown colony.






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