Medicine Through Time: From Ancient Greece to Modern Era
The Medicine Through Time GCSE timeline showcases the evolution of medical knowledge and practices across various historical periods. This page covers key developments from ancient Greek medicine to modern healthcare systems.
Ancient Greek Medicine
The foundations of Western medicine were laid in ancient Greece. Hippocrates, known as the father of medicine, introduced the theory of four humours.
Definition: The four humours theory proposed that health depended on the balance of four bodily fluids: black bile, yellow bile, blood, and phlegm.
Galen, another influential Greek physician, developed the theory of opposites and conducted human anatomy drawings and dissections. Although some of his work contained errors, it was accepted by the Church as it supported the design theory.
Highlight: Ancient Greek medicine still used today includes the Hippocratic Oath taken by doctors and the concept of medical ethics.
Medieval Medicine
During the medieval period (1250-1500), medical understanding was heavily influenced by religious beliefs. Causes of diseases were often attributed to God's punishment, astrology, or miasma (bad air).
Vocabulary: Miasma was the belief that diseases were caused by a form of "bad air" or pollution.
Treatments during this time included purging, bleeding, fasting, pilgrimages, and prayers. Medical practitioners ranged from wise women and apothecaries to barber-surgeons and physicians.
The Black Death
The Black Death (1348-1349) had a profound impact on society and medical practices.
Highlight: The short impact of the Black Death on Britain's health and economy included food shortages, inflation, and increased demand for peasant labor, leading to rising wages.
Renaissance and Early Modern Period
The Renaissance (c. 1500-1700) brought significant advancements in medical knowledge. Key figures included:
- Vesalius, who conducted detailed dissections and published "The Fabric of the Human Body"
- Paré, who improved wound treatment and developed prosthetic limbs
- Harvey, who discovered blood circulation
Example: The invention of the printing press in 1440 greatly improved the communication of medical ideas and reduced the Church's control over medical knowledge.
Industrial Era and Germ Theory
The industrial period saw major developments in understanding disease causes and public health:
- Florence Nightingale emphasized the importance of hygiene and fresh air in hospitals
- Louis Pasteur developed the germ theory in 1861
- Robert Koch identified the tuberculosis germ in 1882
Quote: "Pasteur's Germ Theory suggested microbes live in the air, but are not evenly distributed."
Modern Medicine
The modern era (1900-present) has seen rapid advancements in medical technology and healthcare systems:
- Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928, revolutionizing the treatment of bacterial infections
- The development of X-rays and MRI scans improved diagnostic capabilities
- The National Health Service (NHS) was established in the UK in 1948, providing universal healthcare
Highlight: The creation of the NHS was a significant milestone in how medicine has changed over time, making healthcare accessible to all regardless of financial status.
This comprehensive timeline demonstrates the remarkable journey of medical knowledge and practices, showcasing how medicine has changed over time from ancient beliefs to evidence-based modern healthcare.
