'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

To evaluate the significance of surgical advancements from the years c1700–c1900 compared to those made from c1900 to the present, we can categorize the developments based on their impact on surgical safety, effectiveness, and innovation.

Developments in c1700–c1900

1. Antiseptics: The introduction of antiseptics by Joseph Lister in the late 19th century revolutionized surgery by drastically reducing infections. This advancement made previously high-risk procedures much safer and is considered a cornerstone in modern surgery.

2. Surgical Techniques: Innovations in surgical techniques and procedures such as the introduction of anesthesia allowed for more complex and humane operations. Prior to this, surgery was often performed without pain relief which limited what could be done.

3. Transplants: Although organ transplantation began in this era, it became a more significant development later on, particularly in the 20th century. Early attempts faced numerous challenges due to lack of understanding of immunology.

Developments in c1900–present

1. Advancements in Transplants: The 20th century saw significant advancements in transplant surgery due to improvements in immunosuppressive therapies, which allowed for successful organ transplantation and has saved countless lives.

2. Technological Innovations: The emergence of technologies such as laparoscopy, robotic surgery, and minimally invasive techniques has transformed surgical procedures, making them safer and more effective.

3. Micro Surgery: The late 20th century witnessed the birth of micro-surgery, enabling surgeons to perform intricate operations with precision, which was not possible in earlier centuries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the advancements made in c1700–c1900 laid the foundational elements that improved surgical outcomes (like antiseptics and anesthesia), the innovations of the 20th century have expanded the frontier of what is technically possible in surgery, especially with the advent of transplantation and technologies that enhance surgical precision. Therefore, I would argue that while significant advancements came from c1700–c1900, the developments from c1900 to present are equally, if not more, significant in shaping modern surgery.