Advances in knowledge related to wounding, repair, and healing: 1885-1984

The purpose of this paper is to record objectively the contribution of Annals of Surgery to the development of the science of surgery and its application to patient care in commemoration of its Centennial. Though many other subjects could have been chosen, the literature relating to wounding, repair, and healing is pertinent to all of surgery and uniquely comprises a significant portion of its history and science. By reviewing the articles and content of the 200 volumes, a personal perspective was gained and hopefully captured in the body of the manuscript. By departing from the usual format of a bibliography, names of authors appear rather than impersonal numbers. The editorial eras are apparent, punctuated by the beginnings, the World Wars, the Wars of Korea, Vietnam, and North Africa, the development of biomedical research, and the technologies in other fields. Annals also reflects the logarithmic increase in higly competent surgeons through the burgeoning educational programs of university health centers, major hospitals, and clinics in the United States and in other parts of the world. Societal needs and problems are reflected by the scope and breadth of the surgical articles in response to the medical needs of its constituents during war and peace. The evolution of specialization is apparent from the beginning. Declining morbidity and mortality rates reflect the application of research, technology, and experience to the science of surgery and the biology of wounds through their dissemination.