Advancements Of Medicine In The 17th Century

The 17th Century took place from 1601-1700, and was a time of great advancements in both science and philosophy. In the area of scientific achievements, medicine in particular experienced a number of important breakthroughs. During this time, the theories created by Galen, a Greek Physician, in 140 AD were still believed by doctors. His theory stated that four humors, or fluids, determined your personality, ruled your body and how you reacted to diseases. For example; if you had a phlegm humor, then you would be cold, and as a result have a calm personality. To cure illnesses during this time, doctors used Chinese plant remedies, leeches to clean the blood, and different strange powders, such as the horn from the mythical unicorn, and the
Although working conditions for doctors in the 17th Century, were challenging, many new advancements took place, and revolutionary leaders took a stance. Some of the most evolutionary leaders of this time were: William Harvey, Robert Boyle, Nathaniel Hodges, Thomas Sydenham, and Robert Hooke. These people listed were a few of many brilliant doctors and physicians during this time. In 1620, an Englishman named William Harvey was the first to explain how blood is circulated throughout the body, with the heart playing a vital role, by pumping the blood to control the flow. Fortunately, he was supported by King Charles 1st, during this time. Robert Boyle, a chemist and author of the The Skeptical Chemist , was the first to describe how the body takes in “gas” in order to breathe. We now know
To this day, William Harvey’s discovery of how the heart works, and how our blood flows, has been important for millions of doctors as they treat their patients. Without this discovery, our health today would be questionable, and new inventions baded on this discovery may not have taken place. From blood transfusions to the various types of surgery, Harvey’s inventions still play an important role today. Although many at the time disagreed with Robert Boyle, without his discovery, we would not understand how we breathe, and what is required for humans to survive. In some ways, Boyle is almost a savior for modern mankind. Increased knowledge regarding cells, also known as the building blocks of life, has opened doctors up to new discoveries on how the body functions. From stem cell research to cures for life threatening diseases, every aspect of our health is of a result of our cells. Without the discovery by Hooke in 1665, the world of medicine will still be back in the days of the 16th century and before, when cells and how they fucnction, was unknown. It would take a long period of time to go through all of those inventions that we neglected to appreciate. But for now, we must be thankful that we in modern society, have benefited from the work of many educated scientists before