The Barber Surgeons

A painting depicting Barbers at work in medival times

Barbers as Multifunctional Practitioners

The origins of barbering can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where barbers served dual roles as groomers and minor medical practitioners. They performed bloodletting, tooth extractions, and basic surgical tasks using their expertise with blades. Similarly, in ancient Greece and Rome, barbers provided these services to the public, filling a gap in accessible medical care.

During the medieval period, barber-surgeons emerged as key figures in medical care across Europe. Their duties extended beyond shaving and haircuts to include pulling teeth, treating wounds, and performing bloodletting. Monks, who were initially responsible for medical care in monasteries, transferred these responsibilities to barbers after Pope Alexander III banned clergy from performing surgeries in 1163. Barber-surgeons thus became indispensable for minor surgical and dental procedures.

Why did Pope Alexander Ban the Monks from Surgery?

Pope Alexander III banned clergy from performing surgeries in 1163 during the Council of Tours primarily to maintain the purity and sacred focus of the clergy. Shedding blood was considered symbolic of violence and thus incompatible with the spiritual and peaceful role of clerics. The Church sought to reinforce the distinction between sacred and secular duties, leaving medical and surgical tasks to lay professionals. Many clergy also lacked the necessary training for complex procedures, which could harm patients and undermine the Church’s reputation. This decision significantly contributed to the rise of secular medical professionals like barber-surgeons and the eventual separation of spiritual care from medical practice.

The Separation of Surgeons from Barbers

By the 14th and 15th centuries, advancements in anatomy and surgical techniques began to differentiate surgeons from barber-surgeons. Key developments contributed to this shift:

1. Human Dissection and Anatomy
The permissibility of human dissection in Europe in the 14th century allowed surgeons to study human anatomy in greater depth. Pioneers like Andreas Vesalius revolutionized medical knowledge with detailed anatomical studies, which barber-surgeons lacked the training to interpret.
2. Formal Education for Surgeons
The establishment of medical schools and universities in the 16th and 17th centuries provided surgeons with a structured education in anatomy, surgical methods, and medical ethics. This training was far beyond what barbers received, making surgery a specialized profession.
3. Legislative and Professional Separation
The formal separation of barbers and surgeons came in 1745, when the British Parliament enacted legislation dividing the two professions. Surgeons formed the Royal College of Surgeons, while barbers became the Worshipful Company of Barbers, focusing exclusively on grooming services.
4. Technological and Methodological Advances
The 18th and 19th centuries saw breakthroughs in surgical tools, anesthesia, and antiseptic techniques, allowing surgeons to perform complex procedures. Barbers, without access to these developments, remained limited to grooming and cosmetic tasks.

Barber Surgeons Hall, London

The Royal College of Surgeons, London

The Emergence of Dentistry as a Separate Profession

While surgeons moved into advanced medical care, the field of dentistry also began to establish itself as a distinct profession. In the early modern period, dental care was considered a mechanical skill, and barbers frequently performed tooth extractions and treated dental abscesses. However, several factors led to the professionalization of dentistry:

1. Innovations in Dentistry
In the 17th and 18th centuries, pioneers like Pierre Fauchard advanced dental science with specialized tools and techniques, such as fillings and prosthetics. These innovations required expertise that barbers lacked, setting dentists apart.
2. Regulation and Licensing
By the 18th and 19th centuries, dentistry became a regulated profession. Licensing laws and dental schools, such as the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery (founded in 1840), formalized the field. Barbers were excluded from practicing dentistry, marking a clear division.
3. Formation of Dental Associations
The creation of professional organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA) in 1859 reinforced dentistry’s status as an independent medical discipline.

Barbershops: From Medical Hubs to Grooming Centers

As surgeons and dentists professionalized, barbershops shifted focus to grooming and social interaction. Barbers specialized in haircuts, shaves, and cosmetic services like wig-making and hair dyeing. By the 18th century, barbershops were cultural hubs where men gathered to socialize, discuss politics, and conduct business.

The barber pole, once symbolizing their medical functions (red for blood and white for bandages), remained as a nostalgic emblem of their medical past.

A barbers pole, commonly found outside babrbershop today.

Conclusion

The evolution of barbers into distinct professions of surgery and dentistry highlights the impact of scientific progress and professional specialization. Surgeons, with their expertise in anatomy and complex procedures, moved into a realm requiring rigorous training and education. Dentists, focusing on oral health, advanced into a separate field with its own innovations and professional standards. Meanwhile, barbers refined their craft in grooming, creating a lasting cultural legacy. This divergence underscores the adaptability of professions to meet the growing demands of society and science.