The History of Medicine Principles of Medical Science

History of Medicine Question: What diseases did prehistoric man experience?

HISTORY OF MEDICINE Arthritis was found in dinosaurs, prehistoric bears and of course humans Fractures on bones were common Under calcified bones caused by poor nutrition

History of Medicine Tuberculosis and parasite infestations (small dark pin holes in vertebrae and skull)

HISTORY OF MEDICINE Women died in difficult childbirth (skeletal remains found with fetal remains still in pelvis) They had to nurse their babies and the best food went to men so women had weak immune systems

HISTORY OF MEDICINE Eroded and decayed teeth caused from improper diet and periodontitis (gum disease)

History of Medicine Question: How did prehistoric man deal with illness? We aren’t sure, but we can guess from: *cave drawings *bony remains and artifacts *comparison to primitive societies today (religion, music and medical treatment mingled together)

Shaman History of Medicine Question: Who were the ancient healers? (Witch doctors or healers) Shaman

History of Medicine Question: What were their techniques and tools of their trade? Techniques: Chanting, praying, hallucinogenic trances (sometimes it meant frightening evil spirits from patients and then casting it into a cockroach and stomping on it) Sucking and vomiting-shaman would inhale large amounts of tobacco smoke until nauseated and then right before vomiting with suck evil spirits out of patient and vomit)

HISTORY OF MEDICINE Tools: facial and body paints and medical bags which held dried plants, herbs, sticks, sucking tubes, sharpened animal bones, and even human scrotum!

History of Medicine Question: How did primitive societies regard sick or disabled people? Cherokees and Navahos- treated with kindness and acceptance; North American Indians were in awe of those that survived and treated them like gods Eskimos- set out old and sickly in unsheltered areas to die Other groups- killed and ate them (to preserve life force of tribe)

History of Medicine Question: How did primitive people regard mentally ill? Some were shunned- they were thought to carry evil spirits Eskimos and Siberian peoples that this was a sign of a shaman

History of Medicine Question: How did primitives deal with injuries? Sewed up cuts (lacerations) with strips of animal tendon and needles made from bone Made wood splints and casts from hardened hides Trepanation- drilled hole in skull to “let out evil spirits”

History of Medicine Question: What medicines were available to treat disease and disorders? **currently illegal in Texas Drug Plant Source Uses Digitalis Foxglove Slows heart Quinine Bark of cinchona tree Helps with malaria; controls fever Belladonna/ Atropine Poisonous nightshade plant Relieves muscle spasms Morphine/ Opium Poppy Pain relief Acetylsalicylic Acid Bark of willow tree Pain relief; Fever **Medical Marijuana Cannabidiol (CBD) Nausea, reduces muscle spasms, pain relief, anti-inflammatory

Review of Medical Terminology Word Parts: -itis inflammation arthro- joint -peri around dont- teeth Terms: Laceration- large cut