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Thinking in English
Medicine Before the Discovery of Germs - Past Perfect (English Grammar Lesson)
Dec 16, 2024
Dive into the bizarre world of pre-germ theory medicine, where humours reigned supreme and miasma ruled the air. Discover the dangerous surgical practices and the shocking lack of hygiene that often led to more harm than healing. Learn about historical misconceptions about disease causation and the evolution of medical understanding, alongside an exploration of the past perfect tense in English. Engage with how Edward Jenner's smallpox vaccine marked a turning point in medical history.
15:48
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Quick takeaways
- Before germ theory, medical practices, based on outdated beliefs, often resulted in harmful treatments like bloodletting and purging.
- The introduction of germ theory revolutionized medicine by emphasizing hygiene and sterilization, drastically improving surgical outcomes and patient safety.
Deep dives
The Significance of Germ Theory in Medicine
Before the discovery of germ theory, medicine operated under outdated beliefs such as the four humours and miasma theory. Practitioners relied on these ancient theories, believing that diseases stemmed from imbalances in bodily fluids or from bad air. Consequently, common treatments included dangerous practices like bloodletting and purging, which aimed to restore this balance, often leading to more harm than healing. It was only with the groundbreaking work of scientists like Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch that the real causes of illness became understood, revolutionizing medical practices.
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Discover
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode