An interesting episode.  In particular, I noted how E.G. mentions that there was no pain killers for surgery at that time, but in the story they don't mention it at all - perhaps it was just an aside to give more gravitas to that point.  I liked the idea that someone back then with worse equipment than we have now would be able to connect muscle tissue was well as nerves (although some of those could grow/connect on their own if I'm not misunderstanding).  I also thought it interesting that there allegedly was little scar tissue after this surgery as well.