'The advances in surgery made in the years c1700-c1900 were more significant than advances in surgery made in the period c1900-present.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 6 - 2018 - Paper 1

The statement suggests that advancements in surgery from 1700 to 1900 had a more profound impact than those from 1900 to the present day. While both eras contributed significantly to surgical practices, I would argue that each period has its unique advancements that were crucial to the evolution of surgery.

Antiseptics

In the earlier period (c1700-c1900), one of the remarkable achievements was the development of antiseptics by Joseph Lister in the 1860s. This breakthrough dramatically reduced infections, which were a leading cause of post-surgical mortality. Lister’s work laid the foundation for modern surgical practices by emphasizing cleanliness and aseptic techniques.

Transplants

Moving forward to the c1900-present era, the development of organ transplants marked a significant leap in surgical advancements. The first successful kidney transplant in 1954 opened the door to life-saving surgeries that were unimaginable in the earlier period. Advances in medical technology and immunosuppressive drugs have enabled surgeons to perform complex transplants successfully, vastly improving patient outcomes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the 1700 to 1900 period established essential principles of surgery, the advancements in the later period, particularly in transplantation and surgical techniques, have revolutionized medicine. Therefore, I agree that both periods have made significant contributions, but the importance of advancements in the c1900-present era cannot be undermined.