edward jennerThis is Edward Jenner, born in 1749, and his greatest contribution was the invention of the small pox vaccine. In 1976, he tested his theory that if anyone contracted the cow pox disease, then they would not contract small pox by vaccinating a young boy with the cow pox disease. After the boy was vaccinated, he got the cow pox disease, but did not contract small pox. His invention became popular, and many people got vaccinated, saving hundreds of people from deaths by small pox. Because of his discovery, many people continue to become immune to diseases by vaccination.
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clara bartonThis is Clara Barton, and she was the woman credited with the creation of the Red Cross in 1881. She started her health care career when she volunteered as a nurse during the Civil War. She was known as "The Angel of the Battlefield" as she saved many boys with her skills and medical supplies.
Barton first heard of the Red Cross while visiting Europe after the Civil War. She got the American Red Cross set up in 1881 after it was ratified by the United States. The Red Cross taught first aid, water safety, and public nursing programs. Even after Barton died in 1912, the Red Cross still continues to thrive til this day. |
PenicillinPenicillin was discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming He found that the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus could be cured by the mold Penicillium notatum. He also found out that Penicillium notatum could kill a number of other life threatening bacteria. Overtime, Penicillium notatum was turned into a drug, penicillin, and was shipped world wide to help cure a number of diseases, such as pneumonia, gonorrhea, and blood poisoning. This drug has saved many, many people and is still in use today. It is known as one of the greatest medical discoveries of all time.
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herbal medicineHerbal medicine is the oldest form of medicine, and some practices still use it today. Herbal medicine uses plants and organic parts of nature to cure simple diseases and simple injuries. Here are some examples of herbal medicine: the snakeroot plant is used to reduce blood pressure, the curare is used to relax the muscles during surgery, and digitalis is a stimulant for the heart.
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