What was medical science like 100 years ago?

Medical science has advanced significantly over the past 100 years. Some of the key differences between medical science 100 years ago and today include:

Diagnostics: In the early 1900s, diagnostic tools were limited. Doctors relied on physical examinations, patient history, and simple laboratory tests to diagnose illnesses. Today, we have access to a wide range of advanced imaging techniques, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, as well as sophisticated laboratory tests, which allow for more accurate and timely diagnoses.

Treatments: Medical treatments have also improved dramatically in the past 100 years. In the early 1900s, there were few effective treatments for many common diseases, and surgery was often the last resort. Today, we have a wide range of medications, including antibiotics, antiviral drugs, and chemotherapy, as well as minimally invasive surgical techniques, which allow for more precise and effective treatments.

Vaccines: Vaccines have played a major role in reducing the incidence of infectious diseases. In the early 1900s, vaccines were available for only a handful of diseases, such as smallpox and diphtheria. Today, we have vaccines for a wide range of infectious diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and tetanus.

Life expectancy: As a result of advances in medical science, life expectancy has increased significantly in the past 100 years. In the early 1900s, the average life expectancy in the United States was around 47 years. Today, the average life expectancy in the United States is around 79 years.

Overall, medical science has made tremendous progress in the past 100 years, leading to improved diagnostics, treatments, vaccines, and life expectancy.