Booklet 3 Flashcards
What is bacteriology?
The study of microbes
Bacteriology helped scientists understand the causes of infection.
What was the theory of spontaneous generation?
The belief that infection grew from inside the patient rather than being caused by external bacteria
This theory was prevalent before the understanding of germs.
What did the theory of miasma propose?
That disease and infection were caused by bad smells or vapours
This was another incorrect theory before the acceptance of Germ Theory.
Who challenged the theories of spontaneous generation and miasma?
Louis Pasteur
Pasteur’s experiments demonstrated the role of microbes in causing diseases.
What did Louis Pasteur prove through his experiments?
Germs did not come alive on their own and could cause disease
This was a key principle of Germ Theory.
What was Robert Koch known for?
Proving that specific germs caused diseases in humans
Koch’s work built on Pasteur’s theories.
What disease did Koch first become famous for studying?
Anthrax
He demonstrated the specific germ responsible for this disease.
What is one of Koch’s main principles in bacteriology?
The bacterium must be present in successive experimental animals infected with it
This principle helped establish a scientific method for identifying disease-causing microbes.
What major advancement did Koch introduce in studying microbes?
Growing microbes on solidified agar plates
This allowed for the isolation and identification of specific germs.
What was the role of British doctors in accepting Germ Theory?
They linked laboratory research with practical evidence from surgery and public health
Doctors like William Roberts and William Cheyne were crucial in this transition.
What did Paul Ehrlich develop?
Salvarsan 606, the first effective treatment for syphilis
This was an early example of a ‘magic bullet’ drug targeting specific germs.
What was a common Victorian remedy mentioned in the text?
Laudanum
This was often used to calm children and help them sleep.
What was the significance of ether in surgery?
It was one of the first effective anesthetics used in operations
Ether allowed for more complex surgeries by managing pain.
Who discovered chloroform as an anesthetic?
James Simpson
His discovery significantly improved the comfort of surgical procedures.
What did Ignaz Semmelweiss pioneer?
Antiseptic procedures in maternity wards
He drastically reduced death rates by enforcing handwashing.
What did Joseph Lister contribute to surgery?
The use of carbolic acid for sterilization in operations
He is known as the ‘father of antiseptic surgery.’
What is aseptic surgery?
Creating a germ-free environment for operations
This was a further advancement in surgical safety.
What did Charles Chamerland invent?
A steam steriliser for medical instruments
This improved the sterilization process and safety in surgery.
What was a major challenge faced by surgeons before effective anesthesia?
Managing and controlling pain during operations
This led to the need for quick surgeries.
Fill in the blank: Paul Ehrlich is known for developing _______.
Salvarsan 606
True or False: The theory of miasma was proven correct.
False
It was eventually replaced by Germ Theory.
Who invented a steam steriliser for medical instruments in 1881?
Charles Chamerland
A French biologist who discovered that heating instruments in water at 140 Celsius for 20 minutes completely sterilised them.
What significant contribution did Gustav Neuber make to surgery?
First sterile operating theatre
Neuber insisted on thorough scrubbing and sterilisation of the air before staff entered the theatre.
What was the purpose of William Halsted’s introduction of surgical gloves?
To address a nurse’s allergic reaction to carbolic spray
Halsted asked the Goodyear Rubber Company to make special gloves for her.
What was the impact of anaesthetics on surgery by the end of the 19th century?
Allowed careful surgery without the need for speed
This contributed to safer surgical procedures.
What was the average age of death for working men in 1800s Britain?
30 years
In some cities like Liverpool, it was as low as 15.
What caused the health of people in growing towns and cities to worsen in the early 1800s?
Overcrowded housing and unsanitary conditions
Many houses were poorly built and lacked basic sanitation.
Fill in the blank: In 1831, a cholera epidemic killed around ______ people.
50,000
This outbreak highlighted the dire public health situation.
What was Edwin Chadwick’s role in improving public health in Britain?
Conducted an inquiry into the living conditions and health of the poor
His report shocked Britain and called for cleaner streets and water.
What was the prevailing belief about the spread of disease during the early 19th century?
Miasma, an infectious mist from rotting waste
This misconception hindered the understanding of germ theory.
What did the Public Health Act of 1848 establish?
A Central Board of Health
It encouraged local boards to improve sanitation and health.
What major breakthrough did Dr. John Snow achieve during the cholera epidemic?
Proved that cholera was a water-borne disease
His findings were crucial in understanding the link between water supply and health.
What was the Great Stink?
A severe smell from the River Thames in 1858
It prompted immediate government action to improve sanitation.
What did Joseph Bazalgette design in response to the Great Stink?
A network of sewers for London
His work significantly improved public health by removing sewage.
What was the purpose of the 1875 Public Health Act?
To consolidate various health-related acts
It mandated local authorities to oversee public health measures.
True or False: The government acted immediately after Edwin Chadwick’s report.
False
The government was slow to respond, influenced by laissez-faire attitudes.
Fill in the blank: The 1868 Artisans and Labourers Dwelling Act encouraged the ______ of slum housing.
Improvement or demolition
This Act aimed to address poor living conditions.
