Turning Points in Social History

March 19, 2024 by Doctor Vernon Coleman

A summary of some of the major influences on the social history of medicine.

1. Hippocrates: About 400 BC
Medicine really began in Greece in the time of Hippocrates. The Greek scholars brought together information from many sources. Hippocrates taught a logical approach to clinical medicine.

2. Rome: Approximately 100 BC to AD 200
The Romans were not great scholars but they were great engineers. They built roads, baths and aqueducts, and public health in their cities was generally good. Galen was to have influence on medical thinking for many centuries.

3. The Renaissance: About 1400 to 1600
Medical care regressed during the Middle Ages. There were many advances during the Renaissance. Anatomy studies began again, and men like Vesalius helped to spread basic information. Paracelsus was one of the most spectacular leaders during this period. Travellers such as Columbus helped to break down geographical barriers, and the development of printing improved communications. Paré began to make surgery respectable once again.

4. The Scientific Revolution Continues: 1600 to 1700
Galileo and Sanctorius introduced medical instruments, and Harvey introduced logic to experimental science.

5. A Century of Social Change: 1700 to 1800
The Industrial Revolution begins in Britain, and America declares her independence. In France the Revolution starts.

6. The Control of Infection: 1800 to 1850
Jenner introduces vaccination and smallpox declines around the world. Chadwick and others press for reforms designed to improve public health facilities. Agricultural advances, industrial improvements, economic growth and political changes all improve living standards. Cholera and tuberculosis also decline in importance.

7. Improvements in Practical Medical Care: 1850 to 1900
This half-century saw many changes. Florence Nightingale revolutionised nursing. Pasteur and Lister introduced the principles of asepsis and antisepsis. Anaesthesia was introduced. Röntgen introduced X-rays. Ross recognised and proved the relationship between mosquitoes and malaria. Ehrlich began the search for a ‘magic bullet’. The aims of the medical profession came closer to meeting the needs of the population, and the advances of the twentieth century resulted largely from work begun in this period.


Taken from `The Story of Medicine’ by Vernon Coleman – which is available via the bookshop on www.vernoncoleman.com