"Both a study of medicine throughout history as well as a multidisciplinary field of study that seeks to explore and understand medical practices, both past and present, throughout human societies."
Study of medical practices during the industrialization period when mass production of goods began.
The Germ Theory: The discovery and acceptance of the germ theory of disease led to major advances in medical science during the Industrial Revolution.
The Development of Public Health Policies: Governments began to implement public health policies such as sanitation and disease control during the Industrial Revolution to combat the spread of disease.
The Rise of Medical Specializations: The Industrial Revolution saw the emergence of various medical specializations, such as surgery, dentistry, and psychiatry.
The Development of Anesthesia: The discovery of anesthesia greatly improved the safety and effectiveness of surgical procedures during the Industrial Revolution.
The Role of Women in Healthcare: Women played a crucial role in healthcare during the Industrial Revolution as nurses and midwives.
The Advances in Medical Technology: The Industrial Revolution saw the development of new medical technologies such as X-rays, microscopes, and stethoscopes.
The Effect of Urbanization on Health: The growth of cities during the Industrial Revolution led to new public health challenges such as overcrowding, pollution, and poor sanitation.
The Impact of Industrialization on Worker Health: The Industrial Revolution had a significant impact on the health of factory workers, who faced new hazards and work-related illnesses.
The Emergence of Health Insurance: The Industrial Revolution saw the emergence of health insurance schemes to provide medical coverage for workers and their families.
The Evolution of Healthcare Delivery: The Industrial Revolution brought about changes in healthcare delivery, with the establishment of hospitals, clinics, and medical schools to train professionals.
Traditional Medicine: This included various indigenous and local medical practices such as herbal remedies, acupuncture, and massage therapy.
Allopathic Medicine: This medical approach is based on the use of drugs or surgical procedures to treat diseases.
Homeopathy: This is an alternative medical approach, which involves treating patients with diluted solutions of natural substances.
Chiropractic Medicine: This medical approach involves the manipulation of spinal cords and other body parts. It is commonly used for treating musculoskeletal disorders.
Osteopathic Medicine: This medical system focuses on musculoskeletal manipulations and was created as a rival to traditional medicine.
Ayurveda: This medical approach is based on traditional Indian medicine and involves herbal remedies and dietary changes.
Naturopathy: This medical approach is based on natural remedies such as herbal supplements, vitamins, and diet changes.
Eclectic Medicine: This medical approach combines different medical traditions and philosophies.
Christian Science: This medical approach relies on spiritual healing to cure illnesses.
Physiotherapy: This medical approach involves the use of physical exercises, massage, and other modalities to rehabilitate patients.
Electrotherapy: This medical approach uses electrical currents to stimulate different parts of the body.
Hydrotherapy: This medical approach uses water to treat disorders, such as steam baths, saunas, and hot/cold compresses.
Psychiatric Medicine: This medical approach focuses on treating mental and emotional disorders.
Vaccination: This medical approach involves inducing immunity to diseases through the use of vaccines.
Surgical Medicine: This medical approach involves operations to treat illness or injury.
Pharmacy: This medical approach is concerned with producing and dispensing medication.
Nutrition: This medical approach focuses on the influence of dietary factors on health and disease.
Preventive Medicine: This medical approach is focused on preventing disease from occurring through vaccinations, screenings, and lifestyle changes.
Occupational Medicine: This medical approach focuses on preventing and treating illnesses or injuries related to the workplace.
Public Health: This medical approach is concerned with the health of populations rather than individuals and focuses on preventing health problems through education, research, and policies.
"Medical historians often draw from other humanities fields of study including economics, health sciences, sociology, and politics to better understand the institutions, practices, people, professions, and social systems that have shaped medicine."
"When a period which predates or lacks written sources regarding medicine, information is instead drawn from archaeological sources."
"Early medical traditions include those of Babylon, China, Egypt, and India."
"Invention of the microscope was a consequence of improved understanding, during the Renaissance."
"Prior to the 19th century, humorism (also known as humoralism) was thought to explain the cause of disease, but it was gradually replaced by the germ theory of disease."
"Military doctors advanced the methods of trauma treatment and surgery."
"Public health measures were developed especially in the 19th century as the rapid growth of cities required systematic sanitary measures."
"Advanced research centers opened in the early 20th century, often connected with major hospitals."
"The mid-20th century was characterized by new biological treatments, such as antibiotics."
"These advancements, along with developments in chemistry, genetics, and radiography led to modern medicine."
"Medicine was heavily professionalized in the 20th century."
"New careers opened to women as nurses (from the 1870s) and as physicians (especially after 1970)."
"This field tracks the evolution of human societies' approach to health, illness, and injury ranging from prehistory to the modern day."
"The study and documentation of the evolution of medical treatments, practices, and knowledge over time."
"Prior to the 19th century, humorism (also known as humoralism) was thought to explain the cause of disease but it was gradually replaced by the germ theory of disease."
"These advancements, along with developments in chemistry, genetics, and radiography led to modern medicine."
"Public health measures were developed especially in the 19th century as the rapid growth of cities required systematic sanitary measures."
"New careers opened to women as nurses (from the 1870s) and as physicians (especially after 1970)."
"Prior to the 19th century, humorism (also known as humoralism) was thought to explain the cause of disease but it was gradually replaced by the germ theory of disease, leading to effective treatments and even cures for many infectious diseases."