Joseph's First Trial by Ken Corbett

Joseph Smith Leg Surgery

Ken Corbett

Joseph's First Trial

oil on canvas

30 x 40 in

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When Joseph Smith was a young boy he had a bone infection in his leg. The doctors suggested that the leg would have to be amputated. His mother, Lucy, would not allow this. The family happened to live near the only doctor in the world who had another solution. Dr Nathan Smith, professor and founder of Dartmouth Medical School, with a group of surgeons performed the surgery. The procedure involved "boring into the bone" and breaking off the infected part, leaving the rest of the bone and thereby saving Joseph's leg. This sophisticated procedure was experimental and would not be used regularly until after WW1. The operation took place in the Smith home. Dr. Smith first suggested that Joseph use alcohol as a sedative during the surgery but Joseph simply wanted his father to hold him. His mother, Lucy, left the home so she would not hear the cries. The operation was a success. There was still a long time of healing but Joseph did not lose his leg.