Medical Supplies throughout History
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The advancements in medical supplies throughout history is fascinating. The evolution of medical instruments continually advances and, as a result, benefit the health of humans with access to these supplies.
Since prehistoric times, humans have used various forms of medical supplies. Archaeologists have discovered crude trephines (surgical blades) which are believed to have been used to relieve headaches and traumas to the head. Shamans of that time may have used these blades to release spirits that were thought to be of evil descent.
In ancient Greece, surgeons used a variety of medical supplies, including scalpels and tweezers, made from various precious metals such as silver or bronze. These instruments continued to be refined as discoveries in better manufacturing techniques developed.
Abu al-Qasim al-Zahrawi, also known as Abulcasis, is one of the key surgeons in medieval times to develop more advanced medical supplies. In medical communities, his book, The Method of Medicine, is well known as a significant work which changed the way in which medical tools were produced. His method for internal stitching using fiber from animal intestines, also known as catgut, is still used in surgery to this day.
In the 19th century, a massive rise in the variety of medical tools being produced occurred. This is largely due to the amount of new metals available for the production of medical supplies.
Since the last half of the 20th century, medical supplies include instruments which have been developed for use in microsurgery, also known as neurosurgery, which is surgery that involves using an operating microscope.
Medical supplies are continually being designed to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of medical issues; however, the standards and controls by modern governments are much higher than in previous eras. These standards are to ensure quality and precision.
The advances made in the production of medical supplies have made them more accessible as, relatively, the costs decrease. Another difference in modern-day medical equipment is that many of these supplies are now meant for single use only, making them more sanitary while, at the same time, the ability to sanitize equipment has improved, conserving materials.
On that note, many of our modern-day medical supplies are geared toward providing a more sanitary environment for patients. These supplies include sterile exam gloves, shoe covers, surgical brushes, antiseptic wipes, isolation gowns, and face masks, to name a few.
Advancing the quality and precision of medical supplies continues to be an exciting field and new techniques are continuously being innovated. Time will tell what new designs will continue to benefit humanity.
