Even if given access to a time machine, few would choose to experience Inca skull surgery first. But at least if done on a Civil War battlefield, we would have a better chance of survival than if we were given the same treatment 400 years later. In both 15th-century Peru and 19th-century America, surgeons performed many trepanations, or removals of parts of the skull. Since Neolithic times, individuals have undergone trepanning for a variety of reasons, some of which now sound more medically plausible than others, but the Inca civilization took it to another level of frequency, and indeed sophistication.
Anyone interested in the history of technology would do well to study the Incas, who were notable for both the things they developed and the things they didn’t. There was no Inca script, but it was there. Kipu(or Quip), previously featured in Open Culture. This is a record management system using only knot cords.
The Incas may not have had the wheeled vehicles and mechanical devices we know today, but they did have precision masonry, extensive road networks, advanced water management for agriculture and other uses, high-quality textiles, and plant-based disinfectants. This also comes in handy in no small part if you happen to be drilling a bunch of holes in people’s skulls.
Neurologist David Kushner, who studies the history of trepanation, along with bioarchaeologists John Verano and Anne Teitelbaum, examined more than 600 Peruvian skulls dating from 400 BC to the mid-16th century, when the Inca’s 133-year reign ended. as scienceLizzie Wade reportsthe oldest evidence points to an enviable 40% survival rate, but surgical techniques have evolved over time. By the Inca period, this figure rose from 75% to 83%. By contrast, it was 46% to 56% in Civil War military hospitals. Some Inca skulls show evidence of up to seven successful or, in any case, non-fatal trepanations. Although that venerable form of surgery may no longer be practiced, modern neurosurgeons today use techniques based on the same principles. If we ever needed their services, we would definitely prefer to stay away from the time machine.
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Based in Seoul, Colin Mbemust write and broadcastIt’s about cities, languages and cultures. he is the author of the newsletter books about cities books as well Home page (I won’t summarize Korea) and korean newtro. Follow him on the social network formerly known as Twitter. @Colinbemust.
Source: Open Culture – www.openculture.com
