The human body today has many replaceable parts, ranging from artificial hearts to myoelectric feet. What makes this possible is not just complicated technology and delicate surgical procedures.

Knight with the iron hand — the "Iron Hand" of Goetz von Berlichingen; made by a goldsmith — all fingers could be moved individually. (Ullstein Bild/Getty Images) Perspective by Heidi Hausse ...

The most famous from the time period was the “Iron Hand” worn by the German Imperial Knight Götz von Berlichingen after losing his hand from a cannon shot during a war in 1504.