largely dependent, for a knowledge of his achievements, on the treatises which his son Theodoric wrote. From this source we learn that Hugo recommended, for use in surgical operations, the employment of narcotizing sponges like those described on page 253, and was also an advocate of the plan of treating wounds by the dry method (compresses soaked in wine over which simple dressings were applied). In the treatment of empyema, of abscesses, of penetrating wounds of the chest, and of both complicated and simple wounds of the skull, he emphasized the wisdom of adopting simple measures, of interfering with the parts as little as possible, of abstaining from the use of the probe, and of observing strict cleanliness. In cases of fracture of a rib it was his practice to place the patient in a bath, and then, with fingers which had been thoroughly oiled, to attempt the replacement of the separated ends of the fractured bone. Neuburger regards Hugo of Lucca as the founder of the Bologna School of Surgery.
Theodoric of Lucca, known also as Bishop Theodoric, was born 1206 A. D. While still quite a young man he joined the recently established order of preachers, and not long afterward was appointed Almoner (Poenitentiarius)[1] to Pope Innocent IV. Eventually he became Bishop of Cervia, near Ravenna. By special permission of the Pope, he was able to complete the surgical training which he had received from his father, Hugo of Lucca; and thus, while he still held the office of Bishop, he practiced surgery to some extent in Bologna. In course of time his practice became very extensive and also very lucrative; as a result of which he was able to leave a large fortune to various charitable institutions. The first printed edition of his work on surgery appeared in Venice in 1498, and was followed by numerous later issues.
Theodoric, says Neuburger, was a most uncompromising advocate of the dry method of treating wounds. His (Theodoric's) words are these: "For it is not necessary—as Roger and Roland have said, as most of their disciples
- ↑ A church official to whom was intrusted the duty of granting dispensations; "Almoner" is perhaps the equivalent term in English.
