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The Egyptians were the earliest people to maintain accurate health records. They also used leeches to open clogged blood channels and called on gods to heal them when disease occurred. They used magic and medicinal plants to treat disease. Imhotep (2635 BC-2595 BC) may have been the first physician.
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The Chinese recorded a pharmacopoeia of medications based mainly on the use of herbs. They also invented acupuncture and moxibustion. They believed in the need to treat the whole body by curing the spirit and nourishing the body.
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The Greeks stressed diet and cleanliness to prevent disease. They brought the idea of massage therapy, art therapy, and herbal treatment. They believed that illness is a result of natural causes.
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The Romans are credited for the first hospitals, aqueducts, filtering systems, sewers, and dissecting animals. They believed that an imbalance in the 4 humors (blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile) resulted in illness.
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Considered the father of medicine.
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Described the circulation to and from the heart
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Invented the microscope
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Created first mercury thermometer
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Invented the stehoscope
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Invented bifocal glasses.
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Developed a vaccine for smallpox
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Started professional education for nurses
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Founder of the American Red Cross
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First female physician
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Proved microorganisms cause disease and created a vaccine for rabies.
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Developed the culture plate to identify pathogens
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Discovered x-rays
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Formed basis for psychology and psychiatry
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Discovered disinfectants
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Isolated radium
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Discovered penicillin
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Developed polio vaccine
