Giacomini's observations "on the superficial veins of the abdominal limb and principally the external saphenous"

Carlo Giacomini, later Professor of Anatomy at the University of Turin, Ita ly, presented a thesis on superficial and deep lower limb venous anatomy in July 1873. This resulted in his name being associated with a vein that he described in detail that passes up deep to the fascia on the back of the th igh. However, the precise nature of his detailed and insightful observation s have not previously been presented, at least for the past century. The Au thors were able to find and translate the original manuscript, and the firs t section on the superficial veins is presented here. Giacomini documented the several variations in the origin and terminations, and anterograde and retrograde flow in this vein that have only recently been rediscovered by d uplex ultrasound scanning. Much can be learned from his descriptions by all who are involved in treating chronic venous disease.