key terms for a revolution in medicine

What did surgeons believe caused sepsis before 1860?

Chemical reactions

What was spontaneous generation?

The idea that microbes appeared like magic when something rotted. The disease caused microbes

Anti contagionism

Belief that epidemics where caused when infections interacted with the environment. Should clean to get rid of it

Contagionism

Disease is spread when contacted with an infected person. Should avoid contact and quarantine

Why was anaesthetics important?

It meant that surgeons could operate slowly with more precision and carry out more complicated internal surgery

What are the drawbacks to ether?

Difficult to inhale, caused vomitting, highly flammable

How was chloroform discovered?

By chance when it knocked Simpson and his friends unconscious

Why did some people oppose anaesthetics?

Some army surgeons thought that soldiers should dutifully put up with the pain. Others though that it helped patients appreciated their efforts. Anaesthetics caused many deaths due to incorrect doses. Some thought that pain was God’s will and punishment for sin so it shouldn't be removed

How did Queen Victoria popularised the use of chloroform?

She used it to give birth and found it pleasant

Opposition to the use of carbolic acid?

If relies on accepting the Germ theory when many still believed in spontaneous generation, slowed down surgery, carbolic acid was difficult and unpleasant to use

What aseptic techniques were introduced in the 1890s?

Sterilised surgical instruments with steam, used gloves, used smaller operating theatres and. Leaned them before and after surgery

What is a magic bullet?

A chemical that can kill specific germs in a person without harming them