Exploring the Evolution of Blood Science Through History
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Chapter 1: Understanding Blood Science
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of understanding blood science, particularly how the virus impacts our blood, the vascular system, and the lungs responsible for oxygenating it. Initially recognized as a respiratory illness, COVID-19 has revealed its extensive effects, influencing not just the respiratory system but also the brain, liver, kidneys, and other vital areas.
The fear of suffocation remains a major concern, as the inability to transfer oxygen from the lungs to the bloodstream is a critical indicator of the disease's severity.
Early in the pandemic, Dr. Richard Levitan, an emergency room physician, emphasized the significance of a simple pulse oximeter in detecting potential COVID-19 infections. He noted that many patients exhibited alarmingly low blood oxygen levels without showing typical signs of severe hypoxia, such as loss of consciousness or labored breathing. Strikingly, some patients were found to be casually using their phones, oblivious to their critical condition.
This brings us to a fascinating exploration of blood measurement and the historical evolution of blood science, a subject worthy of discussion. The journey begins with Galen…
The narrative of blood science can be traced back to Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor from 161–180 AD, whose reign was marked by significant events, including the devastating Antonine Plague. This epidemic, possibly caused by smallpox, claimed around five million lives across the Roman Empire and is believed to have contributed to its decline.
Among the many affected was Galen, a prominent physician of his time. Called upon by Marcus Aurelius during this health crisis, Galen served as the personal physician to the Emperor and his co-ruler, Lucius Verus. While Galen was spared from military campaigns, he observed the plague's toll on both soldiers and civilians, providing valuable descriptions of its symptoms that would later be immortalized as the Plague of Galen.
Born in 129 AD to affluent Greek parents in Pergamon (modern-day Turkey), Galen was afforded a superior education. After his father's passing, he traveled to study at the finest medical institutions, ultimately becoming a physician to gladiators, where he leveraged his unique surgical skills to gain respect among his peers.
Galen's extensive observations and experiments laid the groundwork for understanding human anatomy, as dissection of human bodies was prohibited. His work regarding blood and circulation dominated medical thought for over a millennium, despite containing several inaccuracies.
Section 1.1: The Challenge to Galenic Tradition
A thousand years later, the Arab physician Ibn al-Nafis began to challenge Galen's assertions regarding the heart's anatomy. Through meticulous dissection and experimentation, he uncovered the true nature of pulmonary circulation and corrected many of Galen's misconceptions about blood flow.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Breakthroughs of Vesalius and Harvey
The tide began to turn in the 1500s when Andreas Vesalius rigorously scrutinized Galen's work, followed by William Harvey in the 1600s, who effectively described the circulatory system. Harvey’s book, De Motu Cordis, marked a significant departure from Galenic thought, despite the challenges he faced from traditionalists.
Section 1.2: The Rise of Modern Blood Science
The 17th century saw significant advancements with scientists like Robert Boyle and John Mayow, who explored air's role in life and combustion, eventually leading to the discovery of oxygen by Joseph Priestly in 1774.
This paved the way for understanding hemoglobin, with Friedrich Ludwig Hunefeld identifying it in the 1840s.
What Goes In: The Strange History of Blood Transfusions - YouTube
This video delves into the intriguing history of blood transfusions and their impact on medicine.
Continuing this journey, Karl Matthes developed a light-based instrument for measuring blood oxygenation in 1935, laying the groundwork for modern oximeters.
Chapter 2: Personal Reflections on Blood Science
The arrival of my pulse oximeter was a moment of excitement during the pandemic, highlighting the importance of understanding blood oxygen levels in the context of COVID-19.
After reading Dr. Levitan's article, I found myself curious about my own oxygen saturation levels, leading to a mix of relief and anxiety as I navigated the information provided by this small device.
What happens if you're injected with the wrong blood type? - Bill Schutt - YouTube
This video explores the potential consequences of receiving the incorrect blood type during medical procedures.
The historical journey of blood science reflects a rich tapestry of discovery, challenges, and advancements, reminding us of the critical intersection between medical knowledge and technology. Thank you for joining me on this exploration!
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