[Gunshot wounds in a historical light].

At the beginning of the Renaissance the advent of firearms really progressed. The injuries needed new methods of treatment. Due to the high incidence of infection and the theory of poisoning an increased interest to remove the bullets with probes and forceps was seen. However, improvement in the treatment did not occur until the middle of the 19th century, when anaesthesia and antiseptic were generally known. The Medical History Museum has the disposal of a representative selection of instruments to remove bullets from gunshot wounds. A description concerning their origin as well as function is given.