The Stories That Shaped Modern Medicine
From cholera to anaesthesia, from miasma to germ theory. The people, the mistakes, and the breakthroughs that changed how we practise medicine.
Why this site exists
Modern medicine did not appear suddenly. It developed through outbreaks, experiments, mistakes, and the work of individuals who saw something others missed.
Past Medical History explores those moments: the discoveries, forgotten pioneers, and turning points that shaped how medicine is practised today.
Medicine did not evolve in a straight line. It moved through epidemics, surgical risks, bold individuals, and discoveries that altered practice.
Explore the major themes that shaped modern medicine. Choose a theme to begin.
Plagues & Pathogens
Everything related to infectious diseases, outbreaks, and historical causes of death.
Surgery & The Knife
A dedicated space for the history of surgery, anatomical study, and the operating theatre.
Medical Pioneers
Biographies of the people—famous or forgotten—who shaped the medical world.
DISCOVERIES & BREAKTHROUGHS
The “How” and “What” of medicine—inventions, diagnostics, and scientific breakthroughs.
Recent Articles
Ogino Ginko – Japan’s First Female Doctor
In 2018, a Japanese Medical School made headline news because of its discrimination against female applicants. One cannot help but wonder what the remarkable Ogino Ginko would have thought of this if she were alive today to have seen this. Ogino Ginko is a name that…
Edward Jenner and the Smallpox Vaccine
Every year, approximately 85% of the world’s children receive vaccines protecting them against deadly diseases such as polio, diphtheria, tetanus and tuberculosis. It has been estimated that vaccines save 9 million lives globally per year, and they have the potential…
L’Inconnue de la Seine – The Face of Resusci Annie
In the 14 years or so that I worked as a doctor, I placed my lips on hers many thousands of times during resus training and teaching days. Resusci Annie has been called the most-kissed face in history, and it has been estimated that she has helped to save over 2…
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In-depth articles on the outbreaks, discoveries, and turning points that shaped modern practice.
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Ten Forgotten Heroes Who Changed Medicine.