Philip Henry Mules (1843-1905) and his innovations in ocular surgery

Acta Chir Belg. 2019 Jun;119(3):198-200. doi: 10.1080/00015458.2018.1549394. Epub 2019 Jan 24.

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the present study is to present an historical overview of the innovations in ocular surgery introduced by the very important surgeon, but mainly unknown, Philip Henry Mules (1843-1905).

Methods: Philip Henry Mules introduced the Mules' evisceration operation and the Mules' ptosis operation. He also invented surgical instruments such as Mules' scoop, Mules' repository, and Mules' enucleation scissors. He was interested also in ocular infection.

Results: Many of the innovations in ocular surgery introduced by Philip Henry Mules are still in use.

Conclusions: Philip Henry Mules (1843-1905) was a respectable English ophthalmologist, who despite his short life, only 62-years-old, his innovations in ocular surgery were considered a breakthrough in the late nineteenth century, because in almost every textbook of ophthalmology they were cited and deserved a great merit.

Keywords: Mules’ enucleation scissors; Mules’ evisceration operation; Mules’ ptosis operation; Mules’ repositor; Mules’ scoop.

Publication types

  • Biography
  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Blepharoptosis / history*
  • Blepharoptosis / surgery
  • England
  • Eye Evisceration / history*
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / history*
  • Ophthalmology / history*
  • Surgical Instruments / history*

Personal name as subject

  • Philip Henry Mules