Ambroise Pare

Ambroise Pare

Ambroise Pare (1510 - 1590) French surgeon, considered one of the fathers of surgery. He was an innovator in the field of battlefield surgery and the story of how he accidentally created what was perhaps the first clinical trial in the history of medical science is a famous example of his powers of observation and also his compassion towards his patients, for which he was well known. The oft used statement, "I treated but God healed" was first made by Pare. Pare is also known for the experiment where he discredited the then widely held superstitious belief in bezoars as an antidote for poisoning. He also contributed to the development of prosthetic substitutes, such as artificial limbs and eyes.