Anesthesia In 1800s
In the Medieval period there were hardly any established professional scientist. The knowledge of the medicine practice was derived from the classical teachings from Galen and Hippocrates in addition with astrological influences (Chilton, 2015, tour). The methods of the medieval doctor were very crude because there wasn’t any anesthesia for surgeries. Medicinal remedies were derived from natural plant and superstitious sources. For instance, Martin Hill made reference to the fact that royal women frequented the Bath Houses as a treatment for infertility and farmers took their prized pigs to drink the water to cure the curious spots (2015, tour). Most hospitals were run by nuns and monks. Plague suits were used by medieval doctors to protect
…show more content…
The pupils relied on the few observations and then expected to master the procedures. The only bodies for dissection were those of executed criminals. This restricted practicing surgeons and this also led to the increase in body snatching and other illegal crimes. In summary before the Anatomy Act of 1832 the goal of medical training was to perform dissections as quick as possible because there wasn’t any anesthesia available and unfortunately the patient often died of infection. Subsequently, medical training after the Anatomy Act of 1832 new technologies and methods emerged. “The gradual introduction of surgical anesthesia allowed surgeons to take their time. This mean that they could work more carefully and undertake more difficult operations (Science Museum, 2015, tour).” Specifically, Joseph Lister developed a machine sprayed a mist of antiseptic carbolic acid that sterilized the operating table. Sterilization technique were also taught but students still wore their own clothes. Anatomy teachings shifted away from marble sculptures to books and portable wax anatomical models. Students were able to take part in dissections rather than observing them in anatomy theatres. Lastly, the Anatomy Act of 1832 enabled development of the surgery by decriminalizing the science of anatomy and physiology by providing surgeons and universities with the legal capacity to obtain cadavers for dissection. The Anatomy Act of 1832 also established the legitimacy by enforcing the necessary licensing to practice on deceased human
The pupils relied on the few observations and then expected to master the procedures. The only bodies for dissection were those of executed criminals. This restricted practicing surgeons and this also led to the increase in body snatching and other illegal crimes. In summary before the Anatomy Act of 1832 the goal of medical training was to perform dissections as quick as possible because there wasn’t any anesthesia available and unfortunately the patient often died of infection. Subsequently, medical training after the Anatomy Act of 1832 new technologies and methods emerged. “The gradual introduction of surgical anesthesia allowed surgeons to take their time. This mean that they could work more carefully and undertake more difficult operations (Science Museum, 2015, tour).” Specifically, Joseph Lister developed a machine sprayed a mist of antiseptic carbolic acid that sterilized the operating table. Sterilization technique were also taught but students still wore their own clothes. Anatomy teachings shifted away from marble sculptures to books and portable wax anatomical models. Students were able to take part in dissections rather than observing them in anatomy theatres. Lastly, the Anatomy Act of 1832 enabled development of the surgery by decriminalizing the science of anatomy and physiology by providing surgeons and universities with the legal capacity to obtain cadavers for dissection. The Anatomy Act of 1832 also established the legitimacy by enforcing the necessary licensing to practice on deceased human