Lecture 1 - From Ancient Greece to the Third Millenium

Question 1

What was science and medicine like in the Middle Ages?

Answer 1

Religious doctrines
Believed in supernatural causes of disease

Greater trade meant greater movement of people. Together with warfare and growth of cities lead to increased spread of disease.

Question 2

Common treatments of disease in the Middle Ages?

Answer 2

Bleeding, purging, emetics, diaphoretics (clear the kidneys), stimulation of NS

Question 3

What did the 17th and 18th centuries contribute to medicine?

Answer 3

Scientific methods accepted.
Surgical and scientific instruments improved.
Hospital-trained physicians and surgeons

Question 4

What were the main medical problems of the 19th century?

Answer 4

Cholera.
Required improvements of sewage system.

Developed modern diagnostic microbiology (Koch) and the development of bacteria theory (Pasteur)

Question 5

What were the main medical problems of the last century?

Answer 5

Influenza pandemic
Antimicrobial era
Diseases of poverty: AIDS, TB, malaria

Question 6

Why was eradication of smallpox achievable?

Answer 6

Distinctive signs/symptoms so easy to identify and isolate.
Patients not contagious during incubation period.
No other host for virus.
Single aero type.
Vaccination only required one administration.

Question 7

What are the main medical problems of today?

Answer 7

Antimicrobial resistance.

Rise in infectious diseases.