Joseph Souberbielle


Joseph Souberbielle was a French surgeon. He was a relative of Jean Baseilhac, a surgeon who was a major influence to Souberbielle's career.
He moved to Paris in 1774, where he was student of Pierre-Joseph Desault. Afterwards, he worked as a military physician, subsequently serving as chief surgeon for the victors of the Bastille. In 1793 he was a juror of the Revolutionary Tribunal.
Known for his work in lithotomy, especially using the suprapubic method. It is believed that he performed over 1200 suprapubic operations for removal of calculi during his career. As did Jean Baseilhac, he advocated use of a caustic paste containing arsenic for cauterization of cancers. The mixture found particular use in treatment of facial ulcers.
During the French revolution he was a close associate of Maximilien Robespierre and narrowly survived the events of 9 thermidor 1794. The photo shown is thought to be the only one in existence of a notable player in the revolution.

Selected works