History of Medicine

The history of medicine dates back to around 2600 BC were the ‘doctors’ mainly known as the Imhotep medical practitioners developed a written work on 200 different medical conditions. There is evidence from primitive societies that people have tried the treatment for common diseases, although superstition and religious beliefs are often mixed with them.

Hippocrates, a Greek physician born in 460 BC was considered the father of modern medicine. One of his major contributions to progress in the field is his understanding that diseases may have natural causes rather than supernational.

In the Middle Ages, almost unrecognisable medical practice has become routine. However, the term “Doctor” itself did not appear in England until the 14th century, and is often used to refer to theologians and those who can “teach”. Leonardo da Vinci, who worked in the 15th century, made a major contribution to our understanding of human anatomy and drew detailed sketches after careful dissection of human cadavers.

There has been advanced progress during the 19th century, even though many common practices at that time still seemed barbaric. This was the first time where anaesthesia has come into application, the first batch of vaccines and the first woman to earn a medical degree!