'Norcini': the Italian butchers who became surgeons. The development of some of the 'norcini' butchers as doctors coincides with the Church prohibiting religious people from practicing surgery in 1215.
The norcini were butchers and master butchers since the time of Ancient Rome. They were the only specialists who could operate on kidney stones, cataracts and inguinal hernias. They developed precise instruments and innovative techniques to fight infections, bleeding and pain.