History of Medicine: Key Concepts and Developments

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the history of medicine, focusing on various periods from Medieval times through the Industrial Revolution.

Divine Punishment

A belief in Medieval times that disease was caused by God as punishment for sins.

Four Humours

The theory that human health is governed by the balance of blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile.

Bloodletting

A medical practice in Medieval times aimed at restoring balance in the four humours by draining blood.

Miasma

The belief that diseases were caused by 'bad air' or harmful vapors.

Apothecaries

Individuals in Medieval times who prepared and sold medicines based on natural ingredients.

Germ Theory

The scientific theory that microorganisms cause diseases, developed by Louis Pasteur.

Vaccination

The process of administering a vaccine to stimulate an immune response against infectious diseases.

Anesthesia

Medications used to induce insensitivity to pain during surgical procedures.

Quinine

A medication derived from cinchona tree bark, used as a treatment for malaria.

Surgeon

A medical professional specializing in performing surgery.

Royal Society

An organization in London that promotes scientific inquiry and supports medical research.

Florence Nightingale

A pioneer in nursing who emphasized hygiene and sanitation in medical care.

X-rays

Radiation used in medical imaging to view the inside of the body without surgery.

Edward Jenner

The physician who developed the first smallpox vaccine in 1796.

Public Health Acts

Legislation aimed at improving sanitation and health conditions in industrial cities.

Andreas Vesalius

A Flemish anatomist known for correcting Galen's anatomical errors through dissections.

William Harvey

A physician who discovered blood circulation, challenging prior medical beliefs.

Antiseptics

Substances used to sterilize surgical instruments and prevent infection.

Elizabeth Blackwell

The first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States, advocating for women's roles in medicine.

Urbanization

The process by which cities grow, often leading to public health challenges.

Microbiology

The branch of science that studies microorganisms, foundational to modern medical science.

Sewage Systems

Infrastructure developed to manage waste and improve sanitation in urban areas.

Medical Education

The system of training for medical professionals, which evolved towards more practical learning.

Compassionate care

An approach in healthcare that emphasizes empathy and understanding towards patients.