History of Healthcare

Illness and disease was a punishment from God. Tribal witch doctors treated illness with ceremonies. Plants and herbs were used as medicine (morphine). Trepanation or trephing: surgical removal of pieces of bone from the skull. Average lifespan = 20 years.

Physicians were priests. Bloodletting and leeches were used as medical treatment. Average lifespan = 20 to 30 years.

They believed in the need to treat the whole body by curing the spirit and nourishing the body. They used therapies such as acupuncture. Average lifespan = 20 to 30 years.

First to observe the human body and the effects of disease. This led to modern medical sciences. Used therapies such as massage, art therapy, and herbal treatments. They stressed diet and exercise as a way to prevent disease. Average lifespan = 25 to 35 years.

First to organize medical care by providing care to wounded soldiers. First public health and sanitation systems by building sewers and aquaducts. Average lifespan = 25 to 35 years.

Emphasis on saving the soul. Studying medicine was prohibited. Monks and priests provided custodial care for ill people. Average lifespan = 20 to 30 years.

Renewed interest in medical practices of Greeks and Romans. Bubonic plague killed 75% of the population in Europe and Asia. Major diseases included smallpox, diptheria, typhoid, tuberculosis, malaria, and the plague. Average lifespan = 20 to 35 years.

Dissection of body led to increased understanding of anatomy and physiology. First anatomy book published by Andreas Vesalius (1514 to 1564) . Average lifespan = 30 to 40 years.

Invention of microscope = disease causing organisms were discovered. Apothecaries (early pharmacists) made, prescribed, and sold medications. Average lifespan = 35 to 45 years.

Gabriel Fahrenheit invented the first mercury thermometer. Benjamin Franklin invented bifocals. Average lifespan = 40 to 50 years.