History of Medicine

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts from the History of Medicine.

What was the primary occupation of early man?

Hunter/gatherer.

How did agriculture impact early man's exposure to disease?

It introduced diseases hitherto unknown to man due to close proximity with animals.

Name one disease that originated from cattle.

Anthrax.

What does the phrase 'Medicine was conceived in sympathy and born out of necessity' imply?

Medicine developed out of the need to relieve pain and suffering.

Who were the main practitioners of medicine in early societies?

Priests, medicine men, and herbalists.

What was the belief surrounding the causation of disease in Antiquity?

Supernatural causes, often related to punishment or evil spirits.

Who was the first physician in ancient Egypt?

Imhotep.

What does Ayurveda mean?

Knowledge of life.

Which Indian physician is known for surgical practices?

Sushruta.

What is the foundational concept in Chinese medicine?

The balance of yin and yang.

What did Mesopotamian medicine attribute disease to?

Spiritual and rational causes, including gods and organ malfunction.

Who is known as the father of medicine?

Hippocrates.

What is the 'Hippocratic Oath'?

A code of ethics for physicians.

What significant public health issue arose during the Industrial Revolution in England?

Overcrowding which led to diseases like cholera and tuberculosis.

Who advocated for sanitary reforms in London during the 19th century?

Edwin Chadwick.

What was the significance of the 1848 British Public Health Act?

It was the first step towards establishing public health regulation and infrastructure.

What role did John Snow play in understanding cholera?

He identified the water pump as the source of a cholera outbreak.

What major contribution did Edward Jenner make to medicine?

He developed the smallpox vaccine.

What are common practices in alternative medicine?

Homeopathy, acupuncture, herbalism, and meditation.

What was the primary focus of public health in Nigeria before Western influence?

Traditional practices involving herbalists and spiritual healers.

What was Nigeria's first hospital established by the Church Missionary Society?

A clinic in Obosi in 1880.

Who is recognized as the father of public health in Nigeria?

Dr. Isaac Ladipo Oluwole.

What theory did Hieronymus Fracastorius propose?

The theory of contagion.

What was the role of the church in medicine during the Middle Ages?

It acted as a barrier to medical advancement, promoting superstition instead.

How did the Romans contribute to public health?

Through aqueducts, sanitation, and medical practices.

What is one herbal remedy from ancient Egyptian medicine?

Enemas.

What major shift occurred in medicine during the Renaissance?

Scientific inquiry and the rejection of magical explanations.

What did William Harvey discover about the circulatory system?

Blood flows in one direction throughout the heart and body.

What did Robert Koch contribute to medicine?

He discovered the tubercle bacillus.

What is the significance of the Edwin Smith Papyrus?

It documented surgical practices in ancient Egypt.

What was the impact of the Black Death on European medical practices?

It led to increased interest in public health and hygiene.

Which medical pioneer was known for emphasizing observation and clinical symptoms?

Hippocrates.

What modern technique allows for visualization of internal structures?

X-rays.

What did the introduction of anesthesia allow for in surgery?

Pain-free operations.

What was a common treatment for disease during the Middle Ages?

Bloodletting.

What does 'primum non nocere' mean in a medical context?

First, do no harm.

What was a significant effect of urbanization during the 19th century?

Increased disease spread due to poor living conditions.

What role did women play in ancient medicine?

Midwives and caregivers who often possessed extensive knowledge of herbal remedies.

What marked the transition from ancient to medieval medicine?

The fall of the Roman Empire and resurgence of superstition.

What was the aim of the sanitary reformers in the 19th century?

To improve public health by addressing sanitation issues.

Who initiated the use of vaccination against smallpox?

Edward Jenner.

What does the concept of 'germ theory' entail?

Diseases are caused by microorganisms.

What did Anton Van Leeuwenhoek discover?

The existence of microscopic life, termed 'animalcules'.

Why were public baths important in ancient civilizations?

They promoted hygiene and public health.

What is one contribution of Louis Pasteur to medicine?

Developing the germ theory of disease.

What role did the World Health Organization (WHO) play in the 20th century?

Targeting diseases for eradication and improving global health.

How did societal views affect medical practices historically?

Social class distinctions often dictated access to healthcare.

What did the term 'quarantine' originate from?

The practice of isolating the sick to prevent disease spread.

What practice did Islamic physicians popularize during the Middle Ages?

The translation and preservation of ancient medical texts.

What is the significance of the term 'herbalism'?

The practice of using plants for medicinal purposes.

Who is known for his work on the effects of diet and environment on health?

Hippocrates.

What is the purpose of vaccinations?

To stimulate immunity and prevent infectious diseases.

What impact did the invention of the microscope have on medicine?

It allowed for the study of cells and microorganisms.

What was a common belief about health in ancient cultures?

Health was often linked to spiritual or supernatural balance.

Who first established the practice of surgery in ancient Rome?

The Asu (physician) who treated with herbs and surgical tools.

What did Edward Jenner's vaccination technique utilize?

Material from cowpox to confer immunity against smallpox.

What common health hazard did urbanization create in the 19th century?

The spread of infectious diseases.