Medicine developed into a science in the 1800s, but it was a long evolution from folk remedies and superstition to a modern understanding of how the human body works and how disease is spread. Throughout much of the century, the life expectancy of the average American was decades shorter than it is now. A lack of understanding of simple hygiene contributed to the early death of many women after childbirth, and children routinely died of common childhood diseases like measles. An incorrectly treated broken arm could kill a healthy young man, and pain, disfigurement, and epidemic disease was the fate of many Americans. Traditional herbal remedies were sometimes the best treatments available, while patent medicines often contained toxic substances, and medical procedures were often painful, disgusting, and ultimately useless. The dedicated scientists and medical researchers of the 1800s made a tremendous contribution to the health and happiness of Americans.
Women have made major contributions to science throughout history, including in the field of medicine. Learn about the lives of some of the most amazing women in medicine, from Rita Levi-Montalcini to Margaret Chan, as well as their exciting and important work. Discover what it takes to be a doctor. Find out about the opportunities for women in medicine. Read Women in Medicine to see if following in the footsteps of the many brilliant women who have made their mark in medicine is something you want to do.
The Mexican cuisine of today originated thousands of years ago. The ancient Olmec and Mayan civilizations domesticated maize, beans, and chili peppers and developed the flatbread cakes known as tortillas. The Aztecs expanded the Mexican diet with other meats, fruits, and vegetables. As Spanish explorers conquered and colonized Mexico, European cooks introduced new ingredients, such as rice, wheat flour, and the meat of domestic animals like pigs, chickens, and cows. They also brought previously unknown methods of preparing food, such as frying. Today, Mexican cuisine is extremely popular far beyond the borders of the nation, and in 2010, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared Mexican cuisine to be an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This book discusses different STEM jobs that are found in food and nutrition, from agricultural engineers to food safety specialist.
This book discusses how FEMA responds to all kinds of disasters and brings relief and help to people in need.
This book describes the training, techniques, and equipment used by hazmat teams.
This book describes ways that bomb experts detect, disarm, and dispose of bombs.
This book discusses the training, ranks, politics, equipment, and skills needed to be a police officer.
This book discusses the tracking devices and equipment used by search and rescue teams.
This book discusses the rigorous training, dangerous conditions, equipment, and commitment of firefighters.
This book gives you an inside look at the intense training, commitment, and dedication of EMTs.
A look at potential future developments in medicine, including the use of nanotechnology, as well as genetic mapping and other technologies that are currently considered state-of-the-art.
A look at heart disease, examining the ways in which it develops, its symptoms and diagnosis, the effects it has on a person's daily life, and improvements in medicinal and surgical treatments.
A look at Parkinson's disease, examining the ways in which it develops, its symptoms and diagnosis, the effects it has on a person's daily life, and research toward finding better treatments.
A look at HIV/AIDS, examining the ways in which the disease can be contracted, its symptoms and diagnosis, the effects it has on a person's daily life, and ongoing efforts to find a cure.
A look at Alzheimer's disease, examining the ways in which it develops, its symptoms and diagnosis, the effects it has on a person's daily life, and research toward finding better treatments.
A look at cancer, examining the ways in which the disease develops, its different forms and symptoms, the effects it has on a person's daily life, and ongoing efforts to find a cure.
A look at diabetes, examining the ways in which the disease develops, its different forms and symptoms, the effects it has on a person's daily life, and improvements in methods of treatment.
