In order to understand the prosthesis we use today, we must look at the very first prosthesis, and see how thy led to the process of the development of today's advanced prosthesis. The Egyptians made the first fiber toe which was found in Cairo on a mummy and was made of wood and leather, containing many humanistic qualities. This is one example of how advanced prosthesis became, and testimony to how greatly they have improved in the function, mobility, and material type. The creation of the below knee prosthetic was in Capua, Italy. It was made from Bronze and Iron, containing newly developed wooden core.
It was during the dark ages in which prosthesis began to vary in type. At this time artificial limbs were made mostly of metal and were developed to hide and mask the loss of limbs during the war. Although they were a great step towards more sustainable material in the construction of prosthesis, they lacked mobility and were not functional. One particular prosthetic that we are familiar with and can be seen in almost every pirate movie today, is the invention of the metal hands and wooden peg legs.
The Renaissance era became the turning point and reincarnation of prosthesis. Prosthesis were made with certain material that consisted of either iron, steel, copper, and or wood. In Germany a mercenary named Gotz Von Berlichingen developed the first functional iron hands. Equally, french military doctor Ambroise Pare skills of amputation greatly contributed to the advancement of prosthesis. Ambroise invention of the hinged mechanical hand and the artificial leg attached by harnesses, enhanced the way prosthesis were attached to the amputated limb, which was originally by string. Pieter Verduyn continued to this advancement by developing the lower leg prosthetic, which was also hinged and had leather cuffs.
It was during the dark ages in which prosthesis began to vary in type. At this time artificial limbs were made mostly of metal and were developed to hide and mask the loss of limbs during the war. Although they were a great step towards more sustainable material in the construction of prosthesis, they lacked mobility and were not functional. One particular prosthetic that we are familiar with and can be seen in almost every pirate movie today, is the invention of the metal hands and wooden peg legs.
The Renaissance era became the turning point and reincarnation of prosthesis. Prosthesis were made with certain material that consisted of either iron, steel, copper, and or wood. In Germany a mercenary named Gotz Von Berlichingen developed the first functional iron hands. Equally, french military doctor Ambroise Pare skills of amputation greatly contributed to the advancement of prosthesis. Ambroise invention of the hinged mechanical hand and the artificial leg attached by harnesses, enhanced the way prosthesis were attached to the amputated limb, which was originally by string. Pieter Verduyn continued to this advancement by developing the lower leg prosthetic, which was also hinged and had leather cuffs.
"A Brief History of Prosthetics." InMotion:. Web. 5 Feb. 2015.