Pennsylvania Hospital19th-century amphitheater

Pennsylvania Hospital: 19^th-century amphitheater, seven-inch tumor. As they peer into the operating amphitheater of the first chartered hospital in the nation, visitors are reminded that early 19^th-century surgeries were performed in front of an audience, with no electricity, no sterile technique and a choice of rum, opium or a “tap on the head with a mallet” for anesthesia. A seven-inch tumor removed during one such procedure by Dr. Philip Syng Physick is on view in the Historic Library. Guided and self-guided tours available Monday through Friday. 800 Spruce Street, (215) 829-3370, uphs.upenn.edu/paharc