Industrial Period 1700-1900 Flashcards
Why did the search for rational explanations become more fashionable in the period 1700 – 1900?
Due to inspiring individuals such as, Robert Koch, Louis Pasteur ect
Improvements in technology i.e microscopes
Government action - Public health act 1875
What theory had scientists come up with to explain disease in the early 18th century?
Spontaneous generation which was the notion that microbes were produced by decaying matter.
What did Louis Pasteur discover and when?
The Germ Theory in 1861, this concept was discovered when he was investigating why liquids go sour for the brewing industry. Pasteur had discovered microbes caused decaying matter and theorised that microbes also caused disease but was unable to prove it.
What was the impact of Pasteur’s work?
He inspired individuals such as Robert Koch (who went on to win a noble prize for medicine in 1905) to continue his studies.
How did Koch develop Pasteur’s work?
Koch proved his theory and then went on to discover the specific microbes that cause Tuberculosis 1882 and Cholera 1883.
What did Koch discover to grow bacteria easily and make it more visible?
agar jelly and chemical dyes so that bacteria is much more visible under microscopes
List 3 factors that led to a change to the understanding of the causes of illness and disease.
Improved scientific knowledge
Improved technology
Individuals and their recent discoveries
List ways Florence Nightingale had an impact on hospital care and nursing in general
Demanded for 300 scrubbing brushes to remove dirt from within the hospital.
She organised clean bedding and nutritious meals to be provided.
She had a positive effect on the mortality rate (within 6 months it dropped from 40% to 2%)
She made nursing a respectable occupation and also opened Kings College Hospital in London where she provided nursing training (mainly focused on how to keep conditions hospitable)
What war did Florence Nightingale help out in?
Crimea War
What did Edward Jenner discover and when?
In 1798, Edward Jenner discovered the first vaccination which was for small pox. He came to the realisation that Dairy Maids who had previously had cow pox then didn’t get small pox so made a small incision on a young boy to put his theory to the test, he was correct.
Who disagreed with Jenner’s discovery and why?
Royal society - lack of scientific evidence
Inoculators - they would go out of business
The church - they disapproved of using animal infection in a human medicine as it is against God’s will.
What year did the Government make vaccination compulsory?
1852
What did John Snow discover, how and when?
In 1854, John Snow linked dirty water to being a cause of illness after mapping where people were dying and came to the realisation that near water pumps many individuals within society became ill and or died therefore the drinking water must of had an impact. Due to having no scientific evidence the Government decided not to take action immediately.
Why did the government finally take action after John Snow’s findings?
The Great Stink of the Summer in 1858 caused the government to finally take action since many fell ill after drinking water that had been contaminated with waste.
What did Joseph Lister discover and when?
In 1865, Lister discovered antiseptic when operating on a patient with a broken leg, he had wrapped their leg in bandages soaked in carbolic acid. Surprisingly, they did not get an infection. This then led to carbolic acid being sprayed in operating theatres.
What did James Simpson discover and when?
In 1847, anaesthetic was discovered when Simpson was trying to find an effective method to reduce pain in surgery. After experimenting with several other options he was put to sleep once using chloroform.
Aseptic surgery
Spread of infection was minimised as operating theatres and wards were cleaned thoroughly, equipment was sterilised and aseptic techniques were used.
What methods of pain relief were available before chloroform?
Laughing gas - relieved some pain and patients were still awake
Ether - long lasting but would cause patients to cough while being operated on
Advantages and Disadvantages of Chloroform
Pros - longer surgery, pain relief, encouraged more people
Cons - could cause fatalities due to effects on the heart
What Public Health Act was unsuccessful?
1848, not much action was actually taken so no changes were made
When was the second public health act?
1875
What do historians mean when they refer to the “black period” of surgery (1850-1870)?
more people died due to infection
4 problems surgeons faced
blood loss
long surgery
infection
pain
What year did Pasteur discover vaccine for rabies?
1885
What year did Koch prove that cholera was spread in water?
1883-1884
What year did Pasteur discover the vaccination for anthrax?
1881
What year did Pasteur discover the vaccination for chicken cholera?
1879
What year did Koch discover the microbe for anthrax?
1876
Who theorised that disease was spread through dust particles in 1870?
John Tyndall
What did the Public Health Act of 1875 do?
Provide clean water
A new sewer system was put in place
Built public toilets
Ensured new housing was built of better quality to avoid crowding and damp
Provide public parks for exercise
Create street lighting to prevent accidents
Check the quality of food in stores
