During
the Renaissance, and even during the Middle Ages, barbers were known to provide
medical skills to wealthy, elite and ruling families of Europe. This seems
unusual in contemporary periods; however, barbers were skilled with a sharp
blade, making him a good candidate for surgery. Examples of their medical care
outside of the ruling classes can be seen in the knightly jousting tournaments,
where barbers were expected to care for those injured during the tournament
games.
