5. The Hirtz Compass
The Hirtz compass was invented in 1907 by French radiologist E.J. Hirtz. Consisting of several needle-like moveable legs, the device made it possible for medics to pinpoint the location of bullets and shrapnel to within a millimeter or two. Used in conjunction with the recently developed technique of X-ray imaging, the compass really came into its own during WWI because it could determine the depth and direction of a projectile. A needle touched the skin and the compass gave the exact location and depth of the fragment. Then the compass was removed and the surgeon made an incision. Pressing a finger over the incision, the surgeon fastened the compass in place just above his hand. Then the needle was slid into the incision, allowing the surgeon to feel when the needle touched the fragment and thus remove it.
World War I is largely regarded as the bloodiest war in modern history. More than 10 million soldiers lost their lives in the conflict. When you add in civilian casualties that number rises to an estimated 37 million people. However, despite this being a time of horrific tragedies, it was also a medical renaissance, of sorts, because health care professionals were pushed to create life-saving innovations. Newer and deadlier methods of maiming and killing were being invented, and newer and more effective life-saving measures were following along in lockstep.