[Swiss physicians and their contribution to surgery of the hand].

The origins of five important Swiss contributions to plastic and hand surgery since the last third of the 19th century are described: free grafting of the epidermis (J.L. Reverdin), a pollicization (C. Roux), de Quervains's stenosing tendovaginitis, Secrétan's oedema and the first voluntary movable artificial hand (S. Stodola and F. Sauerbruch). These contributions are related to the development of general surgery. Their history illustrates the advantages which may result from prolonged contact and exchange between members of different cultures.