2. Explain some of the most significant advances in medical science in the 19th century.

The 19th century was very significant in science, introduction of medical sciences emerged. With
the understanding of health and diseases through experimental research led to the presentation in
the 1840s of anesthesia in dentistry and surgery, along with germ free measures were developed
by Joseph Lister. With surgical procedures now involving sterilization and hygienic practices,
special attention was given to the performative aspects of practice in the clinic, in the laboratory,
and in the field (Worboys, M., 2011). The theory of disease and microbes in the 1950s led
French chemist Louis Pasteur to his studies, he stated that microorganisms were linked to
diseases. Pasteur’s later investigations and developments led to create vaccinations against
bacillus, anthrax, rabies, and other diseases (McClellan et al., 2006). Through these advances in
medical science, new concepts of diseases and illnesses treatments and preventions were
developed. We can also see ground work of other developments such as the biochemical
understanding of physiology, and chemistry. Cell theory depended on technical advances in
microscopes. In addition, the mechanism of cell division, the means by which the embryo
enlarges, organs increase, and tissues regenerate was reported by Walter Fleming in 1882. Later
being named the chromosome in the nucleus cell by Wilhem Waldeyer (Lyons, A.S. (April 23).

- Aseret Hansen

References:

Lyons, A. S. (April 23). The Nineteenth Century - The Beginnings of Modern Medicine (Part 1).
Retrieved May 2, 2018, from http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/6352/1/the-nineteenth-
century-the-beginnings-of-modern-medicine-part-1.html

McClellan, James E., and Harold Dorn. Science and Technology in World History: An
Introduction. Baltimore. Johns Hopkins University Press, 2006.

Worboys, M. (2011). Practice and the Science of Medicine in the Nineteenth Century. Isis,
102(1), 109-115. doi:10.1086/658660