Varicose veins: Hippocrates to Jerry Moore.

Seven volumes from the Cowlishaw Collection were selected for review. The authors highlight the evolution of treatment of venous diseases from the ancient Greek times to the modern day through the writings of Hippocrates, Ambroise Pare, Richard Wiseman and other famous physicians of the past. An important Australian contribution by Jerry Moore is described in detail. Jerry Moore introduced 'high ligation' of the great saphenous vein late in the nineteenth century by modifying Trendelenburg's original procedure. The operation withstood the test of time and it is performed today according to his recommendations.