Versailles: Science and Splendour review blazing breakthroughs from stuffed rhinos to anal ops
Briefly

Louis XIV's the first successful surgery for an anal fistula represented a pivotal moment in early modern medicine, showcasing the brutal yet innovative practices at Versailles.
The royal family's open endorsement of smallpox inoculation marked a significant progressive shift in France, helping to diminish public hesitance and boost vaccination rates.
The intricate details regarding Marie-Antoinette's interests reveal a deeper, less frivolous side to her character, demonstrating the blend of royalty and scientific appreciation.
Charles-Francois Felix's development of a silver scalpel highlighted the marriage of art and science at the French court, challenging the notion of Versailles as purely a fantasy.
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