1. Beck CS (1926) Wounds of the heart. Arch Surg 13:205–227
2. Majno G (1991) The healing hand—Man and wound in the ancient world. Harvard University Press, Harvard
3. Homer (1922) The iliad (trans: Lang et al) Macmillan and Co, New York, vol 8, 259 as quoted by Beck CS (1926) Wounds of the heart. Arch Surg 13:205–227
4. Asensio JA, Petrone P, Pereira B et al (2009) Penetrating cardiac injuries: a historic perspective and fascinating trip through time. J Am Coll Surg 3:462–473
5. Aristotle (384–322 BC) The partibus animalium. Lib III, Chap 4. Opera edidit academia regia borrusca, vol 3, p 328. As quoted by Beck CS (1926) Wounds of the heart. Arch Surg 13:205–227