History of Medicine

Diorama of replica of historical medical supplies. 

History of Medicine

As early as 2000 to 5000 years ago, many ancient civilizations used tools such as forceps, knives, scalpels, saws, lancets, needles, trocars, catteries, and knives for several medical procedures. Scalpels were used to make big incisions across the abdomen and clean, precise incisions on the arms, neck, and legs. Punctures in various parts of the body were made using needles. Hooks held up blood vessels and skin and lifted and moved tissue during a medical procedure. Hand drills were used to remove parts of the skull to access the brain, cut out portions in a lobotomy, or remove dead tissue from the body. Forceps, an extremely versatile tool during surgery, were used to grasp or position tissues, immobilize blood flow, and hold the skin together while adding or removing stitches. Suturing techniques used crude forms of needle and thread for stitches. Early procedures included tracheotomy, amputations, bloodletting, cataract surgery, bone surgeries, removal of bladder stones, trepanation (making a hole in the skull), organ removal, etc. The earliest instruments used in these procedures were made of stone, flint, or obsidian, and later from metals like silver, gold, and bronze.