Pare describes followed these methods in a number of patients always keeping his irons in readiness in case of failure. Based on his success with "an almost infinite number of patients" he then notes,

"I bid eternally adieu to all hot irons and cauteries which were commonly used for this work.

And I think it fit that Chirurgions do the like. For antiquity and custom in such things as are performed by our Art ought not to have sway or authority contrary to reason. Wherefore let no man say unto us that the Ancients have always done this."

Of Amputations.: The Apologie & Treatise of Ambrose Pare

Copyright 2001 by the University of Florida