Explain one way in which surgery in the years c1700–c1800 was different from surgery in the years c1900–present. - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 1

One significant way in which surgery in the years c1700–c1800 differed from surgery in the years c1900–present is the advancement in anesthesia practices.

In the early 18th century, surgeries were often performed without any form of anesthesia. This led to extreme pain for patients and a high level of trauma associated with surgical procedures. Surgeons had to act quickly to minimize patient suffering, often resulting in less precision during operations.

By the early 20th century, however, significant advancements in anesthesia had been made. The introduction of ether and chloroform allowed for pain-free surgeries, which transformed surgical practices. Surgeons could operate with greater precision and patients were able to undergo more complex procedures with significantly reduced pain and fear.

This change not only improved surgical outcomes but also made surgery a more viable option for a greater number of patients, leading to an increase in surgical interventions and advancements in medical science.