The British Army's contribution to tropical medicine.

Jonathan Blair Thomas Herron, James Alexander Thomas Dunbar
Author Information
  1. Jonathan Blair Thomas Herron: HQ Army Medical Services, Camberley, UK jonathan.herron493@mod.gov.uk.
  2. James Alexander Thomas Dunbar: 212 (Yorkshire) Field Hospital, Sheffield, UK.

Abstract

Infectious disease has burdened European armies since the Crusades. Beginning in the 18th century, therefore, the British Army has instituted novel methods for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of tropical diseases. Many of the diseases that are humanity's biggest killers were characterised by medical officers and the acceptance of germ theory heralded a golden era of discovery and development. Luminaries of tropical medicine including Bruce, Wright, Leishman and Ross firmly established the British Army's expertise in this area. These innovations led to the prevention of many deaths of both military personnel and civilians. British Army doctors were instrumental in establishing many of the teaching facilities that we now consider to be global leaders in tropical medicine. The impact of the Army in this field has certainly been significant in the past and its contribution continues to this day.

Keywords

References

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MeSH Term

History, 19th Century
History, 20th Century
Humans
Military Medicine
Military Personnel
Penicillins
Tropical Medicine
United Kingdom

Chemicals

Penicillins

Word Cloud

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