History 2812E Lecture : Lectures notes- winter part 2.docx
15 Apr 2012
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The introduction of medical instruments and machines (late 19th century: extending the physician"s sense: the stethoscope, technology in the hospital: the x-ray. Disease experiences with medical technology (early 20th century: tuberculosis and fluoroscopy, cancer and radiation therapy, polio and the iron lung. Not all machines introduced in practice because of political, social, cultural factors. Machines can have more than one meaning beyond what was intended. Broadly defined medical technology encompasses the instruments, devices, machines, drugs, and systems developed for medical research and/or clinical practice. Most historians agree that the process of innovation is not one way, linear progression; rather multi directional, incremental, serendipitous, circular. New medical technologies not adopted because it was superior than previous technology, many other factors. Technological determinism- many scholars argue this is not a way to understand technology, it is not inherent in shaping society, political, and social factors shape technology and our understandings. Oldest diagnostic instrument probably the vaginal speculum (dates back to rome)
