To those who made the lancet a lifesaver
By Jia Hongxia, Alistair Shewring
03:03

At the beginning of 2020, the whole world was in celebratory mood and had ambitious plans for the new year. But unexpectedly, a global pandemic would plunge the entire planet into a state of grim stagnation. The rapid spread of the coronavirus disease threw millions of people into a state of panic before they had even realized what happened.

Museum of the History of Medicine in Paris /CGTN

Museum of the History of Medicine in Paris /CGTN

Fortunately, however, this anxiety has been largely eased thanks to advanced medicine. Knowledge can overcome panic just as a lighthouse can guide a ship in the dark sea. But there is one fact that is easily overlooked: the light wasn't lit until very recently. Our ancestors experimented and explored for a long, long time before they finally made breakthroughs in medicine.

Tablet for X-ray martyrs /CGTN

Tablet for X-ray martyrs /CGTN

The documentary Two Hundred Years of Surgery was made by a young Chinese film making team. It focuses on the main cornerstones of surgical development, such as anatomy, anesthesia and hemostasis, which made surgery workable and hence saved countless lives. The documentary seeks to give a panoramic view of its development, from its early beginnings through to its advances and potential for the future.

Surgery in progress in the 19th century /CGTN

Surgery in progress in the 19th century /CGTN

It lets the story tell itself, rather than mechanically present a series of events. Some parts of this story may seem bizarre, farcical, and even reckless, yet they're all true representations of pioneers' attempts to explore new ways to save lives.

Comic about medieval barber surgeons /CGTN

Comic about medieval barber surgeons /CGTN

The use of 3D animation, comics, and old archive footage add to its entertainment value while at the same time maintaining a sober tone and the background music brings everything together. "I wanted to be rational and restrained while keeping a bit of tenderness," the director said when talking about her aims in making the documentary.

Ancient Dissection Theater in Padua /CGTN

Ancient Dissection Theater in Padua /CGTN

Over three years, the crew traveled to dozens of countries including the UK, U.S., Germany, France and Italy. They visited over 70 medical museums, archives, hospitals and medical research institutions, and interviewed over 50 top medical experts, collecting a detailed, deep and rich trove of materials.

Advanced medical imaging /CGTN

Advanced medical imaging /CGTN

Right now, medical forces around the world are working hard to fight against the coronavirus. By tracing the footprints of surgical development, we pay tribute to those who turned the lancet into a lifesaver, and to the medical staff who are protecting the sick at this difficult time. Please join us on CGTN Documentary on March 27, for Two Hundred Years of Surgery.