5.1.7
Science & Technology
Science and Technology
Science and Technology
Scientific and technological advances influenced changes throughout the period.
Scientific equipment
Scientific equipment
- In the 11th century, Abulcasis invented surgical instruments and popularised cauterisation.
- Microscopes (invented in the 17th century) allowed scientists like Pasteur to see the micro-organisms they described.
- After Pasteur's Germ Theory, doctors better understood the need for clean medical equipment.
- Conclusion: New medical tools and processes were crucial for doctors to perform surgery more effectively.
Printing press
Printing press
- The printing press (invented c.1440) allowed medical ideas to spread around Europe quickly and more cheaply.
- This helped scientists such as Vesalius, Pare, Harvey, Nightingale and Hunter.
- Conclusion: The printing press allowed people to rediscover the works of Galen and Hippocrates. This led to a better understanding of anatomy, for example.
Prosthetic limbs
Prosthetic limbs
- The World Wars brought about horrific injuries. People often lost limbs.
- Ambroise Paré had created early prosthetics in the 1600s, but the wars led to improved technology.
- The development of prosthetic limbs was driven by this need.
- In the 1990s, prosthetic limbs with microprocessors were released.
- Conclusion: Prosthetic limbs are a good example of war driving change during this period.
1Medicine Stands Still
1.1Ancient Egyptian Approaches to Medicine
1.2Ancient Greek Medicine
1.3Medieval Medicine
1.4Religion & Medicine
1.5Public Health in the Middle Ages
2The Beginnings of Change
2.1The Impact of the Renaissance on Britain
2.2Treating Illnesses in the Renaissance
3A Revolution in Medicine
3.1The Development of Germ Theory & its Impact
3.2A Revolution in Surgery
4Modern Medicine
4.1Modern Treatment of Disease
4.2New Diseases & Treatments in the 20th Century
5Themes in Public Health
Jump to other topics
1Medicine Stands Still
1.1Ancient Egyptian Approaches to Medicine
1.2Ancient Greek Medicine
1.3Medieval Medicine
1.4Religion & Medicine
1.5Public Health in the Middle Ages
2The Beginnings of Change
2.1The Impact of the Renaissance on Britain
2.2Treating Illnesses in the Renaissance
3A Revolution in Medicine
3.1The Development of Germ Theory & its Impact
3.2A Revolution in Surgery
4Modern Medicine
4.1Modern Treatment of Disease
4.2New Diseases & Treatments in the 20th Century
5Themes in Public Health
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