A surgeon performing an operation for cataract. Engraving by Queiroz, 1793, after Silva.

Santa Anna, p. 181, used this print to illustrate his position when operating for cataract

Refinement of surgical techniques during the 17th century led to new techniques in eye surgery. By 1700, it was recognised that cataracts involved a hardening of the lens. The French oculist Jacques Daviel discovered a method of extracting the lens of the eye once it had become opaque through cataract, as demonstrated in the operation illustrated in this print

[Lisbon] : [Officina de Simão Thaddeo Ferreira], [1793]

1 print : engraving, with etching ; border 16.6 x 12.7 cm

Silva delin. Gueiroz sculp.

The engraver's name in the lettering could be Gueiroz or Queiroz. He might be Gregorio Francisco de Queiroz (1768-1845) of Lisbon who is mentioned by Bénézit. If so, this would be an early work

Wellcome Collection 12033i