Hektoen International

A Journal of Medical Humanities

Tag: Sun King

  • Louis XIV’s anorectal fistula and its influence on surgical innovation

    Neal ChanBoston, Massachusetts, United States King Louis XIV—also known as the Sun King—ruled France from 1643 to 1715. He not only expanded France’s territorial and cultural influence but solidified his status as a sovereign ruler only a half-step below a god. Through absolute control of the nobility, gentry, and landowners, he made France the dominant…

  • It is good to be the king: The French surgical revolution

    Julius BonelloAyesha HasanPeoria, Illinois, United States A belief held by the common people is that it is good to be royalty, a sentiment supported by descriptions in novels and depictions in movies. The best food, the finest clothes, and the most extravagant and opulent dwelling in the kingdom belonged to the king to use at…