2007-03-03 12:06:32 · 4 answers · asked by Sam 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
It was originally a term of contempt that dates back to the before the 1800's (possibly starting in the 1500's) when surgeons were not educated physicians but rather an outgrowth of the barber trade (i.e. blood letting to heal the sick).
Perversely, the term still stands today, but is considered an honor.
2007-03-03 13:47:42 · answer #1 · answered by tickdhero 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The second answer is pretty near the mark.The original surgeons were totally unqualifed individuals who dismembered corpses and removed organs for physicians to study and learn from. The word "surgeon" back in those days more or less meant "butcher",which is why surgeons today don't particularly want to be labelled as such.(quite understandable!),although strangely, it doesn't seem to bother surgeons in America.
2007-03-04 03:34:50 · answer #2 · answered by MICHAEL BRAMOVICH 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
phyisans are regaded as mister, which is an honour
2007-03-04 15:35:55 · answer #3 · answered by bjmlewis 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because of their origins as barbers.
2007-03-03 20:10:09 · answer #4 · answered by Finbarr D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋