George Washington's Final Illness

Vocabulary flashcards based on the final illness of George Washington and medical practices of the time.

Bloodletting

A historical medical practice in which blood is drawn from a patient to cure or prevent illness.

Humoralism

An ancient medical theory asserting that bodily fluids (humors) influence health and illness.

Counter-irritation

A treatment method intended to relieve pain or inflammation through the application of an irritant to another area.

Quinsy

An inflammatory condition of the tonsils, characterized by swelling and discomfort in the throat.

Diphtheria

A serious bacterial infection affecting the mucous membranes of the throat, causing difficulty breathing.

Epidemiologist

A public health professional who studies patterns and causes of diseases and injuries in populations.

Acute bacterial epiglottitis

A sudden and severe infection of the epiglottis often causing airway obstruction.

Tonic

A medicinal substance taken to give a feeling of vigor or well-being.

Calomel

A historical medicine made of mercurous chloride, used as a purgative or to induce vomiting.

Spanish fly

A toxic substance used in traditional medicine to create blisters in an attempt to draw out infection.