Health Science - Timeline

Chapter one

4000 BC - 3000 BC

Primitive Times: Illness was believed to be caused by supernatural spirits and demons. Tribal witch doctors conducted ceremonies to drive out these spirits. Herbs and plants were used as medicines, including morphine for pain and digitalis for heart conditions. Trepanation, or boring a hole in the skull, was practiced to treat insanity, epilepsy, and headaches.

3000 BC - 300 BC

Ancient Egyptians: Known for maintaining health records, they called upon gods for healing. Imhotep is considered one of the first physicians. They used magic and medicinal plants to treat diseases.

1700 BC - 220 AD

Ancient Chinese: Emphasized treating the whole body by curing the spirit and nourishing the body. Acupuncture was developed to relieve pain and congestion. They began searching for medical reasons behind illnesses.

1200 BC - 200 BC

Ancient Greeks: Initiated modern medical science through observation of the human body and disease effects. Alcmaeon identified the brain as the center of senses. They recorded signs and symptoms of diseases and believed illnesses had natural causes. Diet and cleanliness were stressed for illness prevention.

753 BC - 410 AD

Ancient Romans: Organized medical care, especially for soldiers. Early hospitals emerged from physicians caring for patients at home. Later, hospitals became religious institutions. They developed public health systems, including sewers for sanitation. Diet, exercise, and medication were used for treatment.

400-800 AD

Dark Ages: Focus shifted to spiritual salvation, and the study of medicine was prohibited. Illnesses were treated with prayer and divine intervention. Herbal mixtures were the primary form of medication.

800-1400 AD

Middle Ages: Medical knowledge expanded with universities. Major diseases included smallpox, diphtheria, tuberculosis, typhoid, plague, and malaria. Arab physicians diagnosed based on symptoms. Avenzoar described the scabies parasite.

1350-1650 AD

Renaissance: The printing press facilitated knowledge dissemination. Andreas Vesalius published the first anatomy book. Isaac Judaeus wrote about diabetes. Despite advancements, many died from infections and childbirth complications.

16th-17th Century

Disease causes remained unknown, but surgical techniques improved, such as avoiding boiling oil for wound cauterization. William Harvey described blood circulation.

18th Century

Gabriel Fahrenheit invented the mercury thermometer. Tube feeding was introduced. Lime juice was used to prevent scurvy. Benjamin Franklin invented bifocals. Edward Jenner developed the smallpox vaccine.

19th Century

Florence Nightingale founded modern nursing, improving sanitary conditions. Louis Pasteur proved microorganisms cause disease, pasteurized milk, and created a rabies vaccine.

20th Century

Sigmund Freud’s work laid foundations for psychology and psychiatry. Health insurance and social reforms emerged. Penicillin was discovered by Alexander Fleming. Advances included sulfa drugs, pap tests, dialysis machines, polio vaccines, and organ transplants.

21st Century (Potential)

Future goals include finding cures for AIDS, cancer, and heart disease; genetic manipulation to prevent inherited diseases; methods to slow aging; nerve regeneration to eliminate paralysis; and comprehensive organ transplants, potentially extending life spans to 90-100 years.