industrial

• 18th & 19th Century

  Shift towards prevention of illness; emphasis on good diet and exercise
• “Prevention is Better than Cure"


  Popular phrase promoting proactive health measures
• Water Treatment

  Bathing in the sea or mineral pools believed to improve health; some wealthy individuals installed them in their homes
• Impact of Science

  Introduction of microscope and stethoscope; increased understanding of human body and illness prevention
• John Snow's Contribution

  Investigated Cholera outbreak in London; identified link between infected water pump and illness; removal of pump stopped the spread of Cholera
• Vaccination


  Arguably the most significant method for preventing illness and disease
• Edward Jenner's Discovery

  Discovered link between cowpox and smallpox immunity; tested on James Phipps
• Jenner's Experiment

  Injected James Phipps with cowpox pus, then exposed him to smallpox; Phipps did not contract smallpox
• Immune System Discovery

  Proved body's immune system prevents re-infection with same virus; vaccination triggers immune response
• Reactions to Jenner's Discovery

  Faced mixed reactions; some believed illness was punishment from God; others saw vaccination as barbaric or brilliant
• Government Response

  Government made smallpox vaccination compulsory in 1852, recognizing its effectiveness