Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights:#1 The practice of trepanning dates back to the Paleolithic era. It is the oldest known surgical procedure, and it is found in just about every part of the world. It is done by drilling a permanent hole in the skull, and it is done to relieve pressure on the brain.#2 The practice of trepanning is still done today, though it is more commonly done to treat disease or injury. It is still done as a form of surgical exorcism, though some believe it was done to allow the escape of evil spirits.#3 The practice of skull elongation, which resulted in elongated skulls, was not the only cranial procedure performed in the ancient world. Artificial cranial deformation or modification, which resulted in elongated skulls, was also practiced in Mesoamerican populations.