5.1.7

Science & Technology

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Science and Technology

Scientific and technological advances influenced changes throughout the period.

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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.
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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.
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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.

Jump to other topics

1Medicine Stands Still

2The Beginnings of Change

3A Revolution in Medicine

4Modern Medicine

5Themes in Public Health

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