An early report of using protecting gloves by Ḥakim Mohammad, a Persian surgeon (16th century CE).

Abstract

Background: Although using gloves in surgery dates back to the nineteenth century in modern medicine, it seems that the earliest evidence can be found in the Middle Ages.

Methods: It is a library research-based study on the book of Ḏaḫīre-ye Kāmele, written by Ḥakim Mohammad (Ḥakīm Muhammad), a Persian surgeon in the sixteenth century.

Results: Ḥakim Mohammad advises the surgeons to use a sheath made of sheep testicle skin for their fingers when examining a wound and putting ointment and bandage on it to protect oneself from diseases that are transmitted through the skin and blood, such as people with wounds whose wounds are caused by smallpox, anthrax, leprosy and infectious wounds.

Conclusion: The words of Ḥakim Mohammad suggest a preliminary concept of using surgical gloves to prevent transmitted diseases, dating back to sixteenth century, 3 centuries before its use in modern era.