The 19th century represented a pivotal era in medicine, distinguished by remarkable advancements and obstacles. Contrary to the amusing idea that it was merely 21st-century medicine devoid of pain relief and soap, this period was defined by revolutionary breakthroughs and practices that established the groundwork for contemporary medicine.
Among the most significant innovations was the advent of anesthesia in the mid-1800s, which transformed surgery by permitting operations to be conducted without the intense suffering previously faced by patients. The introduction of ether and chloroform as anesthetic agents allowed for more intricate and prolonged surgeries, greatly enhancing surgical results.
Despite these progressions, the 19th century encountered major hurdles, especially in relation to hygiene and infection management. The absence of comprehension regarding germ theory meant that antiseptic methods were not initially prevalent, resulting in elevated rates of postoperative infections. It wasn’t until the latter part of the century, thanks to the efforts of trailblazers like Joseph Lister, that antiseptic practices gained traction, leading to a significant decline in infection rates and better patient survival.
The battle for access to corpses was indeed intense during this time, fueled by the necessity for anatomical research and surgical training. Medical institutions needed cadavers for dissection, but lawful ways of procuring them were scarce. This strong demand resulted in the emergence of “resurrectionists” or body snatchers, who unlawfully unearthed bodies from graves to sell to medical facilities. This practice eventually prompted legal reforms, such as the Anatomy Act of 1832 in the UK, which established a lawful method to acquire bodies for medical education and research.
The depiction of 19th-century surgeons as Clive Owen doppelgängers addicted to bath salts is an amusing exaggeration. Nevertheless, it mirrors the difficulties of the time, where surgeons frequently operated under challenging circumstances with limited means. The era was marked by an absence of standardized medical training and varying degrees of skill among practitioners.
In summary, the 19th century was a crucial chapter in the evolution of medicine, featuring significant advancements in surgical methods, anesthesia, and the eventual embrace of antiseptic techniques. These changes, together with the period’s challenges, laid the groundwork for the swift advancements in medical science that emerged in the 20th century.