Health and medicine

Prehistoric Medicine

Serious illnesses treated by 'medicine men', with emphasis on hygiene and basic surgery like trephining.

Ancient Greek Medicine

Belief in the theory of the four humors causing illness, linked to elements and seasons, observed symptoms for diagnosis.

Galen

Roman doctor following Hippocrates, introduced the idea of rebalancing humors with 'opposites', emphasized anatomy and public health.

Islamic Medicine

Advanced medical practices, large hospitals built, scholars like Ibn Sina contributed significantly, focused on theory over practice.

Medical Renaissance

Period of medical breakthroughs (1500-1650), Vesalius challenged Galen's anatomy, Paré transformed surgical practices, Harvey pioneered blood circulation understanding.

Germ Theory

Pasteur and Koch's discoveries on bacteria causing diseases, vaccines developed, understanding of disease carriers like mosquitoes.

Surgery Challenges

Pain, infection, and blood loss addressed with new surgeries, local anesthesia introduction, hygiene improvements.

Public Health in 19th Century

Industrialization led to health challenges, laws passed for public health concerns, advancements in hygiene and nursing.

Vaccinations - Smallpox

Edward Jenner's development of vaccination against smallpox, replacing risky inoculation methods.

Women in Medicine

Elizabeth Blackwell, Florence Nightingale, and Mary Seacole's contributions to medicine and nursing in the 19th century.

Trench Warfare

Led to widespread illnesses like trench foot and typhus, spreading diseases in unsanitary conditions.

Psychological Issues

Trench warfare caused psychological issues like shell shock among soldiers.

Government Intervention

The war spurred governments to intervene in public health due to conscription revealing physical problems and malnutrition among men.

Post-War Initiatives

After WWI, initiatives like Lloyd George's promise to build new homes and the establishment of a Ministry of Health aimed to improve sanitation and health.

Public Health Measures

During the 1930s economic depression, public health measures like free milk for school children were introduced.

Medical Advancements

Between 1918-1939, medical research advanced with inventions like the electron microscope, discovery of hormones like estrogen and testosterone, and new drugs for diseases.

Penicillin Development

Penicillin was developed in the interwar period, with Alexander Fleming rediscovering its potential in 1928.

Penicillin Production

Penicillin production faced challenges until US companies received funding for mass production during WWII.

Surgical Advancements

WWII spurred advancements in severe burn treatment and reconstructive plastic surgery techniques.

Combating Diseases

WWII led to advancements in combating diseases like malaria through scientific investigations and immunizations.

Post-WWII Public Health

Post-WWII, governments like Britain improved public health with initiatives like the NHS and building new homes.