history of medicine

The history of medicine spans thousands of years, beginning with primitive practices based on superstition and herbal remedies. Ancient civilizations like Egypt and Greece advanced medical knowledge, with figures like Hippocrates emphasizing observation and ethics. In the Middle Ages, knowledge was preserved by Islamic scholars, leading to innovations like hospitals and surgical techniques. The Renaissance revived scientific inquiry, paving the way for modern medicine. The 19th century saw breakthroughs like germ theory and anesthesia. Today, medicine combines technology, research, and ethics, continually evolving to improve health and healthcare systems worldwide.