History and Development of Medical Technology – Key Vocabulary

Medical Technology (Ruth Heinemann)

Application of natural, physical, and biological science principles to laboratory procedures aiding diagnosis and treatment.

Medical Technology (Anne Fagelson)

Branch of medicine concerned with laboratory determinations and analyses for diagnosis, treatment, and health maintenance.

Medical Technology (R.A. 5527)

Auxiliary laboratory branch examining tissues and body fluids to aid physicians in diagnosis and promote health.

Hippocrates

Father of Medicine; promoted clinical observation of body fluids and formulated the Hippocratic Oath.

Four Humors Theory

Ancient concept linking blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile to health and disease.

Galen

Greek physician who described diabetes as "diarrhea of urine" and linked fluid intake to urine volume.

Urinalysis

Oldest laboratory procedure, dating to 600 BC, analyzing urine for disease indicators.

Uroscopy

Medieval practice of diagnosing disease by visually inspecting urine in decorative flasks.

Spirometer

John Hutchinson’s device (19th c.) for measuring lung vital capacity.

Sphygmomanometer

Jules Hérisson’s instrument for measuring arterial blood pressure.

Thermometer

Temperature-measuring device; water