-
200
460 BC Birth of Hippocrates, the Greek father of medicine begins the scientific study of medicine and prescribes a form of aspirin
Hippocratic medicine was one of the first forms of medical treatment and discovery. It emerged from the findings in each individual case, a theory that we still use today. Everybody is different and each case needs to be recorded for that purpose. This would possibly contribute to the field of studies among the mass public. -
1590 Zacharius Jannssen invents the microscope
Along with the syringe, the microscope is one of the most important tools in medical development and discovery. The development of the microscope would be used for centuries and is still used today. The impact would be the discovery, prevention, and better understanding of tiny organisms and non-living organisms. -
1670 Anton van Leeuwenhoek discovers blood cells
The discovery of blood cells was an important event for the medical field. It would later lead to discoveries, preventions, and a better understanding of the processes in the human body. -
1796 Edward Jenner develops the process of vaccination for smallpox, the first vaccine for any disease
Small pox is well known for its deadly life threatening properties. The loss of life prior to the development of small pox was overwhelming. Edward's significant contribution to the development of vaccination against small pox was a significant date that cannot be overlooked. It would save generations then and now. -
1849 Elizabeth Blackwell is the first woman to gain a medical degree from Geneva Medical College in New York
Ms. Blackwell set the example for millions of women to follow. Being the first woman doctor to graduate during a time of inequality. Especially in the United states were women didn't earn rights until 1920. An important event for the rights of women around the world. -
1853 Charles Gabriel Pravaz and Alexander Wood develop the syringe
The development of the syringe would have to go down as one of the greatest medical tools to be developed. The syringe is used thousands, if not millions of times a day. It is a sterile way of injecting the drugs are bodies need to help vaccinate or fight infection. It is a safe way of transport into the body for the medical needs of a patient. -
1895 Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovers X rays
The discovery of X-rays is one of the most important medical discoveries of our time. We now use X-rays in most fields of medicine. From dental, brain imagery, and broken bones. It serves as an important tool to see inside our bodies. -
1921 Earle Dickson Invented the Band-Aid
One of my favorites and most notable inventions throughout a persons life after the 1920's would have to be the Band-Aid. I cannot tell you how many times as a child I needed to use one of these or a child next to me had one. The later discovery of cool colors and designs made it an extra cool discovery. The Band-Aid was designed to fight infection and prevent bacteria from entering a wound. -
1928 Sir Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin
The discovery of the powerful and highly preferred use for antibiotic treatment. It was not developed into an actual form of use until years later. However, the importance of this event was the discovery and start of what was to come. -
1950 John Hopps invented the first cardiac pacemaker
John was trained as an electrical engineer and joined in the study of hypothermia. John soon discovered, "if a heart stopped beating due to cooling, it could be started again by artificial stimulation using mechanical or electric means. This lead to Hopps' invention of the world's first cardiac pacemaker in 1950." The artificial heart that lengthens and saves lives. -
1953 James Watson and Francis Crick work on the structure of the DNA molecule
James and Francis are considered to co-discovers of the structure of DNA. At this time James flew over to work with Francis on the discovery of DNA. The importance was the understanding for the science of genes, heredity, and variation in organisms. -
1967 Dr. Christian Barnard performs the first human heart transplant
Dr. Christian Barnard, "for a dying person, a transplant is not a difficult decision. If a lion chases you to a river filled with crocodiles, you will leap into the water convinced you have a chance to swim to the other side. But you would never accept such odds if there were no lion." The significance of this event in time was a complex one. Many feared to operate on the heart in matters of emergency. Barnard set the pace and example for many to follow. It was the break through for saving l -
1983 HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is identified
HIV/AIDS was ranked on the top 10 leading causes of death at number 5. It has been a leading cause of death since its identification in the 80's. This date is significant for that reason. The first step in solving a problem is identifying the problem. -
2600 BC The Egyptian Imhotep describes the diagnosis and treatment of 200 diseases
One of the first recorded dates of treatment for disease. Imhotep was not considered a doctor but an intellect that would set the example of treatment for disease. The early form for the start of medicine. -
2006 First vaccine to target a cause of cancer
"Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells." Cancer is on the top 10 leading causes of death ranked at number 2. Its impact on the world is devastating. The first vaccine is a start for the cure to cancer. It's only a matter of time until we prevent one of the leading causes of death. This date is significant for that reason.