Medicine in Britain: Modern Medicine Key Facts

Herbal remedies

Medieval form of treatment popular into the modern era.

X-rays

Created in 1895 which allows doctors to see into patient's bodies.

National Insurance Act

Set up in 1911 to help workers pay for treatment if they were sick.

The Ministry of Health

Government department set up in 1919 to oversee healthcare in Britain.

Antibiotic

A drug made from bacteria that kill other bacteria to cure an infection or illness.

Alexander Fleming

Discovered penicillin in 1928.

Florey and Chain

Received funding to mass produce penicillin.

Magic bullets

Chemicals that killed certain bacteria without harming the body.

NHS

Set up in 1948.

DNA

Discovered in 1953.

Crick and Watson

Scientists who discovered the structure of DNA.

Discovery of DNA

Allowed doctors to detect and track genetic and hereditary diseases.

Science and technology

Allowed diagnosis to become more accurate with the use of machines like x-rays and MRI scanners.

Radiotherapy and chemotherapy

The two most used treatments for cancer patients.

Lung cancer

Disease caused by smoking that is particularly hard to diagnose.

Pharmaceutical companies

Businesses that research into developing remedies

Public health campaigns

Steps taken by the government to improve public health