Barber-surgeon

Barbers in Spain

Surgical practices in the Iberian Peninsula date back to the Megalithic era (2000 BC), with evidence of trepanation. Until the Renaissance, Spanish surgery followed Greek, Arab, and medieval traditions, with significant progress in the 16th century through anatomical studies. Despite this, military, naval, and barber-surgeons performed operations, as physicians distanced themselves from surgery. A royal decree regulated barber-surgeons in Spain. There were active barber surgeons operating in Valencia in the 15th century. One notable practitioner was Antonio Fernando de Medrano, a professional barber surgeon active in Madrid during the 17th century.