Middle Ages and Renaissance Medicine

The theory that a balance of four bodily fluids (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile) determined health. Imbalances in these humors caused disease.

A common treatment in the Middle Ages based on the Four Humors theory. It involved drawing blood from a patient to restore balance.

A belief that disease was caused by bad air or miasma. Smells were linked to disease, so people carried sweet-smelling herbs.

A period in European history marked by a resurgence of classical learning, art, and exploration.

In the Middle Ages, medical knowledge was largely based on the teachings of ancient Greek physicians, such as Hippocrates and Galen.

A deadly pandemic that swept through Europe in the 14th century. It was believed to be God's punishment, so people prayed and fasted.

Women who practiced medicine in the Middle Ages. They were often skilled in herbal remedies and surgeries.

Hospitals during the Middle Ages were primarily places for the poor and sick to seek refuge, not necessarily advanced medical care.

A condition caused by prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions in the trenches, resulting in swelling, pain, and sometimes gangrene.

A bacterial infection spread by lice, causing high fever, aching muscles, and fatigue.

A psychological condition caused by the constant stress of war, characterized by nervous breakdowns, tremors, and flashbacks.

A severe bacterial infection caused by poor sanitation and contaminated water in the trenches.

Wounds caused by flying fragments of bombs and shells, often resulting in deep, penetrating injuries.

Wounds caused by rifle and machine gun fire, ranging from broken bones to internal organ damage.

Chemical weapons used in World War I that caused damage to the respiratory system, eyes, and skin.

The branch of the British Army responsible for medical care during World War I.

Locations near the front lines where soldiers received initial treatment.

Larger medical units further back from the front lines, providing more advanced treatment.

Women who volunteered as ambulance drivers, nurses, and clerks, providing essential support to the RAMC.

The initial stage of treatment where basic care and pain relief were administered.

A stage where more advanced treatment, including infection control and stabilization, was provided.

The final stage where surgical operations were performed to address complex injuries.

The arduous task of transporting wounded soldiers from the battlefield to medical faciliites.

The discovery of blood groups by Karl Landsteiner in 1901 revolutionized blood transfusions by making them safer and more effective.

During World War I and II, advances in storing blood paved the way for blood banks, making blood readily available for surgeries and emergency treatments.

A vaccine that protects against tuberculosis, developed in 1921 and widely used for its effectiveness.

A combined vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, introduced in the 1970s and a significant contributor to the decline of these diseases.

A medical imaging technique using X-rays to provide detailed images of the inside of the body, commonly used for diagnosing fractures and internal conditions.

A medical imaging technique that provides detailed three-dimensional images of the inside of the body, revolutionizing diagnosis and treatment.

The first successful kidney transplant in 1954 marked a groundbreaking milestone in medical history, allowing individuals with kidney failure to live longer, healthier lives.

A surgical technique that minimizes incisions and trauma to the body, offering quicker healing and reduced scarring.

The development of chemotherapy drugs like methotrexate in the 1950s revolutionized cancer treatment, offering hope for people battling the disease.

A small, electronic device implanted in the chest to regulate irregular heartbeats, improving heart function and quality of life for patients.

The mass production of insulin in the 1920s provided a life-saving treatment for diabetes, enabling people with the condition to manage their blood sugar levels.

The development of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) in the 1980s and 1990s transformed HIV from a fatal disease to a manageable condition, significantly increasing the lifespan of infected individuals.

A life-saving treatment for patients with kidney failure, developed in the 1940s and providing a vital alternative when the kidneys are unable to function properly.

The eradication of smallpox globally by 1980 through extensive vaccination programs demonstrated the power of public health initiatives in controlling and eliminating deadly diseases.

The introduction of immunosuppressants allowed for successful organ transplants by preventing the body from rejecting the foreign organ.

A system for prioritizing patients based on the severity of their injuries, ensuring that those with the highest chance of survival receive prompt care.

A vital improvement to treatment during WWI, where blood was stored and used to save lives.

A branch of surgery that advanced significantly during WWI to reconstruct faces and bodies.

The use of X-ray technology in mobile units on the battlefield to locate bullets and shrapnel, aiding in surgeries.

A major battle on the Western Front, known for its high casualty count and the use of new medical techniques.

A battle known for its horrific gas warfare, which caused many casualties.

One of the longest and bloodiest battles of the war, highlighting the need for medical services.

Over 2 million soldiers were hospitalized during WWI, showcasing the vast scale of the war's impact.

The discovery of the structure of DNA, which revealed the double helix shape and how it can unzip to create copies of itself. This led to the understanding of how genetic information is passed down.

A project launched in 1990 to map the entire human genome (the complete set of DNA). It involved scientists worldwide and aimed to identify all the genes and their functions.

The BRCA gene is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. This gene is a powerful example of how DNA mutations can influence disease susceptibility.

Scientific research that uses DNA to develop new treatments for diseases. This field is still in its early stages, but holds enormous potential for future medical advancements.

The study of how a person's lifestyle choices can affect their overall health, both positively and negatively.

A key factor in many diseases, including lung, throat, and mouth cancers, heart disease, and even tooth decay. It also harms those exposed to secondhand smoke.

A balance of nutrients is essential for health. Eating too much sugar can lead to diabetes, excessive saturated fats are linked to heart disease, and a lack of vitamins and minerals can cause various illnesses.

A condition that arises from iron deficiency, often due to a diet lacking iron-rich foods. It can cause fatigue and weakness.

Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the liver and kidneys. It's important to consume alcohol in moderation.

Unprotected sexual contact or sharing needles can transmit STIs such as HIV. Safe practices are essential to prevent infection.

Tanning beds and excessive sun exposure can cause skin cancers. Sunscreen and moderation are key to protecting the skin.

Technological advancements in medical imaging and laboratory testing have greatly improved the accuracy and speed of diagnosis, allowing doctors to identify diseases more effectively.

In the Renaissance, diagnosis relied heavily on observing patient symptoms. In the 20th century, technology like CT scans revolutionized diagnosis by providing detailed images of internal organs.

Empowering people to take control of their health through self-monitoring, preventative measures, and understanding the impact of lifestyle choices.

The first antibiotic, discovered in 1928, revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections. It was later developed for widespread use in the 1940s during World War II.

A broad class of antibiotics that came into use in the 1930s and helped combat a wide range of bacterial infections.

The belief that God controls everything, including diseases, and that illness is a punishment for sins. This belief led to a lack of scientific inquiry into disease causes.

The practice of isolating sick individuals to prevent the spread of disease. This practice was introduced during the Renaissance and was effective in slowing the spread of the Black Death.

The practice of recording detailed observations of diseases and their symptoms. It was pioneered by Thomas Sydenham during the Renaissance and paved the way for more objective and scientific understanding of diseases.

The discovery of how blood circulates around the body by William Harvey during the Renaissance. This discovery challenged the prevailing theories of Galen and marked a significant advance in medical knowledge.

The theory that diseases are caused by microscopic organisms, first proposed by Louis Pasteur during the 19th Century. This theory revolutionized medicine by providing a scientific basis for understanding and combating infectious diseases.

The first effective anesthetic, chloroform, was introduced by James Simpson in 1847. It revolutionized surgery, allowing for painless procedures. It had its risks, but its impact on medicine was monumental.

The discovery that cholera was spread through contaminated water by John Snow in 1854. It highlighted the importance of public health measures, especially access to clean water, in preventing disease transmission.

The use of chemicals to kill germs and prevent infections during surgery, introduced by Joseph Lister in 1867 based on the Germ Theory. It dramatically reduced post-operative infections and made surgery safer.

The discovery that specific bacteria cause specific diseases, pioneered by Robert Koch in 1882. This led to the development of vaccines and targeted treatments for various infectious diseases.

The 1875 Public Health Act in Great Britain was a landmark legislation mandating public health improvements, such as clean water, sanitation, and medical inspections. This law marked a shift towards government intervention in public health.

Florence Nightingale's contributions to nursing during the Crimean War, which included promoting hygiene, cleanliness, and rigorous training for nurses. Her work significantly reduced hospital mortality rates, transforming modern nursing practices.

The use of X-rays and CT scans in the 20th century allowed for non-invasive examination of internal organs leading to more accurate diagnosis and treatment without surgery.

The 1950s discovery that not all diseases are caused by germs, with some diseases being hereditary or due to genetic factors, led to a deeper understanding of disease causation.

The discovery of the double helix structure of DNA by Crick and Watson in the 1950s revolutionized biology and medicine. It provided a framework for understanding inheritance, mutation, and the development of genetic diseases.

The ongoing study of the human genome to understand the role of genes in health and disease. This research holds promise for developing cures for complex diseases like cancer and for preventing genetic disorders.