ABSTRACT
In the history of mankind the Progress of Medicine has been the subject of assiduous study and of many volumes. In recent years many studies have been published dealing with particular periods or with outstanding practitioners of medicine. This chapter traces through the ages and to separate from non-essentials the gradually increasing sum of knowledge which has increased, first slowly and in recent years rapidly, rendering possible diminished disease and enhanced health. The growth of personal and domestic cleanliness and of personal cleanliness and chastity form an essential part of subject. A romantic and most important part in the history of health is that dealing with health in relation to food and drink, including alcohol. In the past preventive medicine has been chiefly concerned with the prevention of disease. The chapter mentions the prevention of acute rheumatism, of tuberculosis, and of syphilis, as outstanding illustrations of this.
