The Surgery of Ritual Circumcision, BY JACOB SNOWMAN, M.D., M.R.C.S., M.R.C.P., LOND. _Medical Officer of the Initiation Society, &c., &c._ LONDON: PUBLISHED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE MEDICAL BOARD OF THE INITIATION SOCIETY. 1904. E. W. RABBINOWICZ, PRINTER, 48, COMMERCIAL STREET, E. PREFACE. _The object of the following few pages is to provide a basis of instruction in the surgical aspect of the Jewish rite of circumcision. The performance of this simple operation is not limited to medical men. It is therefore essential that the lay Mohel should possess a scientific knowledge of the important task he undertakes._ _The Initiation Society which controls the instruction of Mohelim has arranged a Syllabus which guarantees such an acquaintance with the subject. This little book is planned in accordance with that syllabus. Its main object is to bring the principles of ASEPSIS within the information of everyone acting as a Mohel, and to insist upon the urgent need of carrying these principles into practice._ J. SNOWMAN. 11, SHOOT-UP-HILL, BRONDESBURY, N.W. _July 1904._ CONTENTS. PAGE. CHAPTER I.--_Causes of Infection of Wounds._ 7 CHAPTER II.--_Results of Infection of Wounds._ 13 CHAPTER III.--_Elements of the Antiseptic method._ 17 CHAPTER IV.--_Surgical Anatomy._ 23 CHAPTER V.--_Technique of Operation._ 28 _The Dressing._ _Abnormalities._ CHAPTER VI.--_Repair of the Wound._ 38 CHAPTER VII.--_Hæmorrhage._ 44 CHAPTER I. _Infection of Wounds._ The greatest advance in modern surgery has been to show how wounds become infected and cause general blood poisoning. This applies both to wounds made by the knife of the Surgeon as well as to accidental injuries. _The principles concerned in this matter involve not only the arrangements necessary for a severe and prolonged operation but also those required for the simple circumcision of an infant._ It is therefore essential that those who perform ritual circumcision should be familiar with the elementary teachings of the _Antiseptic System of Surgery_ which is now universally adopted even in the most trifling surgical proceedings.