Karenberg A
Institut für Geschichte und Ethik der Medizin, Universität zu Köln.
Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 2012 Dec;137(51-52):2691-9. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1327343. Epub 2012 Dec 11.
Historians of thrombosis usually cover a period from mid-19th to late 20th century, thus highlighting the era of scientific progress. The present study, however, follows history farther back to its earlier stages which harbour crucial elements for understanding later epochs and the present-day state of the art.
Relevant primary sources and secondary material as well as selected illustrations were identified and interpreted in their historical context.
Early concepts drew upon the doctrine passed on by the Greeks that thrombosis originated form "metastases" formed by phlegm and black bile. Whereas scholars of the Middle Ages concerned themselves with haematoscopy as a "prototype" of diagnostic investigation, those of early modern times focused on mechanistic and morphological factors when formulating aetiological concepts of thrombosis and embolism. With Rudolf Virchow and his consolidated findings the modern age of positivist research began. During the following era of technological progress, new and scientifically tested treatments as well as prophylactic interventions replaced empirically based cures.
The history of thrombosis is characterized by a multitude of different paradigms. Time will tell if innovative therapeutic strategies developed during the last two decades will lead to the next important paradigm change.
