Historical Bibliography Updated: June 17, 2026
Elements of surgery; for the use of students. 2 vols.
Publication Details
Philadelphia: E. Parker, 1813 CE.
The first systematic treatise on surgery written by an American. The work is notable for containing not only Dorsey’s original contributions, but for its publication of the work of Dorsey’s uncle and teacher, the pioneer American surgeon, Philip Syng Physick (1768-1837). Physick, who never learned to become a competent writer, asked his nephew to organize his teachings into a surgical handbook.
Browse Tags
Thematic Classifications
| Catalog Metadata | Reference Information |
|---|---|
| Entry Number | #5585.1 |
| Permanent Link | https://staging.historyofmedicine.com/entry/7030 |
| Author Bio Link | Wikipedia ↗ |
| External URL | elements-of-surgery-for-the-use-of-students-2-vols |
Geographic Context
Publication place: Philadelphia