A revolution in medicine (AQA GCSE History): Model Answers

Both individuals made groundbreaking discoveries in surgery during their lifetimes. Paré developed an ointment made from rose oil, egg yolk, and turpentine, which significantly improved the healing of soldiers' wounds during the Renaissance. Similarly, Lister discovered that carbolic acid served as an effective antiseptic, convincing doctors and surgeons to wash their hands with it before performing surgery. Both discoveries saved many lives: Paré's ointment and Lister's handwashing methods reduced infections, ensuring cleaner wounds and fewer deaths. These innovations highlight similarities in how surgery evolved during their respective eras.

Additionally, neither individual was taken seriously by many doctors and surgeons at the time. Paré's introduction of catgut ligatures as a replacement for cauterization faced scepticism because cauterization had been the standard for centuries and was rooted in Galenic theory. Similarly, Lister's use of carbolic acid was ridiculed, as germ theory had not yet been widely accepted, leaving him unable to fully explain the rationale for its effectiveness. Many doctors also felt insulted by the implication that their hands were unclean. Furthermore, Lister's practice of handwashing was not always effective since he continued to wear contaminated clothing that carried disease. As a result, both men's work was mocked, limiting the immediate impact of their discoveries.

Examiner Commentary:

This response demonstrates complex thinking at Level 4 by identifying and explaining two key similarities, while also situating the opposition to their discoveries within a broader historical context. The first paragraph provides a developed explanation of the short-term impact of their innovations, and the second paragraph places the resistance they faced into a wider perspective.