Pregledni rad
The history of occupational medicine
M.D. Grmek
; Institut za medicinska istraživanja Jugoslavenske akademije znanosti i umjetnosti Zagreb
Sažetak
A review is given of the development of occupational medicine from the Neolithic age down to the present time. As occupational medicine, to a greater extent and much more directly than other branches of medical sciences, depends on the economic structure of society and its changes, special attention is paid to the economic background of each period, against which the characteristic forms of occupational medicine in the course of its development can be understood more easily. Thus for instance, emphasis is laid on the aristocratic character of ancient Greek medicine, on little understanding of occupational medicine on the part of classical medical writers, on the role of feudal relations and guilds in the Middle Ages etc. Only in the period of transition to capitalism in Italy and other European countries, and industrial revolutions in England, Germany and France was it possible for occupational medicine to develop as an independent scientific branch equal to any other medical activity. Primitive health protection of workers dates back to the Neolithic age. Statuettes made of clay with a mask over their faces from prehistoric excavations in Vinča near Belgrade, where the Neolithic man prepared mercury and cinnabar pigment by roasting cinnabar, clearly show that the workers of that time were protected from the inhalation of toxic mercury vapour, probably in the same way as described later by Plinius and Dioscurides. The analysis is given of the conditions in ancient Egypt as an illustration of working conditions in one of the organized ancient state. Very scarce data on occupational diseases as presented in the works of ancient physicians (Hippocrates, Celsus, Galen) and non-medical writers (Plato, Plautus, Martial, Juvenal, Vitruvius, Lucretius) are quoted extensively. Amongst mediaeval writers the significance of Arnaldus de Villanova is pointed out. He was the first to write a separate chap.er on the diseases of craftsmen. The contribution to the development of occupational medicine of the Renaissance authors Ellenbog, Paracelsus and Agricola is also set forth. The conditions in the mercury mine of ldria, the exploitation of which began in the early part of the 15th century, are described in more detail. The observations made by Paracelsus and Mattioli on the diseases of ldria miners deserve special attention. Bernardino Ramazzini's work »De morbis artificum diatriba« (Modena 1700) is presented, as it is, as a landmark in the history of occupational medicine. After a short analysis of this work and its significance, the most important successors of Ramazzini's work are mentioned, and a systematic review is given of the development of scientific investigations and legislation concerning the protection of workers·health in England, Germany, France, Italy, the United States, and Russia. Historical data on occupational lead, mercury, and phosphorus poisoning are presented at length, with an outline of the history of the acquirement of knowledge of occupational cancer, silicotuberculosis. caisson disease, miners'ancylostomiasis and X-ray injuries. After a brief description of the development of modern occupational health institutions, hospitals, associations and journals in Germany, England, the United States, France, Italy, Switzerland and USSR, a detailed presentation, based on the author's own studies, is set forth of the historical development of occupational medicine in the Southern Slavic countries, with particular reference to the present position and progress of occupational medicine in Yugoslavia. The outstanding work of Željko Hahn (1876-1941) as a founder of scientific occupational health work in this country is specially emphasized. The development of international co-operation in the field of occupational medicine, and the significance and historical development of social insurance are also brought forward.
Ključne riječi
Hrčak ID:
184159
URI
Datum izdavanja:
10.6.1957.
Posjeta: 1.087 *