1509-1590. French surgeon who introduced
modern principles to the treatment of wounds.
As a military surgeon, Pare developed new
ways of treating wounds and amputations,
which greatly reduced the death rate among
the wounded. He abandoned the practice of
cauterization (sealing with heat), using
balms and soothing lotions instead, and used
ligatures to tie off blood vessels. Pare
eventually became chief surgeon to Charles
IX. He also made important contributions to
dentistry and childbirth, and invented an
artificial hand.