Century-Old Medicine

The world has come a long way in medical care in the last 100 years.  This became readily apparent to me last spring when Tony and I received a unique present from our friend, Bruce.  Bruce had found these two medical textbooks, published in 1918, during one of his business trips.  What an awesome gift!  While perusing these books over the last couple of months, I felt like I had been taken back into an olden-time movie... a doctor showing up at a patient’s doorstep, carrying a leather bag packed full of homemade remedies.  It was really fascinating exploring these fantastic books, especially as a physician trained a century later.  I wanted to share a few of the highlights that I discovered along the way. 

The first volume contained an anatomy pop-up, highlighting all of the major anatomical landmarks an esteemed physician should know.  

Don't forget to look into the retroperitoneum!

Of course a reflection of the times, there were striking differences in appropriate recommendations for men and women.  One of the things that really struck me was the emphasis on gender appropriate physical exercises...

... as well as hygeine practices that every health-conscious lady should know (don't worry, that adhesive tape will remove those pesky wrinkles!!)

Treatment of pregnancy differed significantly from today, particularly relating to the appropriate confinement location for any soon-to-be mother.

Surprisingly, there were many striking similarities between the diagnosis of medical conditions then and now.  Many of the signs and symptoms, as well as physical exam techniques, are still recognized and used for diagnoses like pneumonia, cystitis, and appendicitis.  

However, major differences exist in terms of the understanding of disease processes (pathophysiology), as well as the treatment. For many conditions like gastric ulcers and diabetes, the authors cited that the causes were still unknown. 

And, treatments largely consisted of bed rest, hot or cold applications, and/or home remedies. Discoveries, like insulin and penicillin, didn't come until the 1920's.

Although many of the treatments are certainly outdated, a few were helpful.   For instance, for my future children: oil, NOT water, will be used in the assisted removal of any peas stuck in the ears.

It was also interesting to see diagnoses that have received name make-overs.  For example, discoordination of the eyes is now known as "strabismus," not "squinting."

In addition to the medical content of the books, I was pretty impressed that the authors had a good sense of humor.  For instance, their description of "ordinary drunkenness" probably needs to be incorporated into present-day medical textbooks.

While some of the humor was intentional, I found myself also amused by depictions aimed to be a bit more serious.  For instance, I guess "stop, drop, and roll" was not discovered until later.  The "Clothing Afire" section seems to be designed for the less than astute individual.

Also, this depiction of the infant exam amused me... especially in exercise X.  I think that accurately captures the feeling of every young child subjected to a well-child examination

And, the calculated description of "Flatulence," as "gas... expelled from time to time in noisy eructations" nailed the definition quite nicely.

Thanks, Bruce, for such a great gift!  I had a lot of fun exploring the books, and they will someday be proudly displayed in my office.