Improvements in Medicine & Surgery on the Western Front

What was the significance of Joseph Lister's work in medicine before the First World War?

Joseph Lister's work on antiseptics and aseptic surgery led to higher survival rates by preventing infections.

What discovery did Wilhelm Röntgen make in 1895 that impacted medicine during the First World War?

Wilhelm Röntgen discovered x-rays, which allowed for the use of mobile x-rays on the Western Front.

What did Louis Pasteur's Germ Theory establish by the end of the 19th century?

Germ Theory established that germs cause decay, leading to advancements in understanding infections.

What is the difference between antiseptic surgery and aseptic surgery?

Antiseptic surgery uses antiseptics to destroy germs, while aseptic surgery achieves a completely sterile environment.

Who improved blood transfusion techniques during the early 20th century?

Geoffrey Keynes improved on the blood transfusion techniques established by James Blundell and Karl Landsteiner.

What contributed to the understanding of infection in surgery by the early 1900s?

The use of carbolic acid by Joseph Lister to clean wounds and the understanding of infection causation.

Why is it important to understand medicine before the First World War?

Understanding pre-war medicine is crucial to grasp the medical developments during the Western Front.

What role did Base Hospitals and Casualty Clearing Stations play on the Western Front?

They applied the principles of antiseptic and aseptic surgery to treat injuries and infections.