revolution in medicine

Question 1

Germ theory

Answer 1

• germs cause disease
• illness could be prevented by stopping spread of microorganisms
• took some time before fully accepted

Question 2

Koch

Answer 2

• built of pasteur’s germ theory by putting it into practical use
• grew and isolated specific bacterial in labs and found bacteria caused cholera and TB. This was a major step for targeting diseases
• influenced the development of vaccinations and helped guide further discoveries into vaccinations

Question 3

James Simpson

Answer 3

Chloroform, discovered by James Simpson in 1847, was a major medical breakthrough as it allowed pain-free surgeries, enabling longer and more complex operations. Its popularity grew, especially after Queen Victoria used it in 1853. However, it posed risks due to dosage difficulties and adverse reactions, leading to public fear and religious opposition. Despite these issues, chloroform paved the way for safer anaesthetics and marked a significant advancement in surgical medicine.

Question 4

Lister and carboxylic acid

Answer 4

Carbolic acid, introduced by Joseph Lister in 1865, was a major medical advancement that reduced infections and made surgery much safer. By cleaning wounds and sterilising operating rooms, it helped prevent deadly infections like sepsis and led to the development of aseptic techniques. Despite its benefits, carbolic acid was harsh on the skin and difficult to use, causing some resistance among surgeons. Though eventually replaced by safer methods, it marked a key turning point in the history of surgical safety.

Question 5

John snow and cholera

Answer 5

In 1832, poor sanitation and overcrowding in London allowed cholera to spread easily, especially in slums. Major outbreaks occurred every decade, with the worst in 1848–49. John Snow linked cholera to dirty water, but the government ignored him, believing in miasma. Later, Pasteur and Koch’s work confirmed his theory, leading to better public health responses.