MacLean L D
Ann Surg. 1985 Apr;201(4):407-14. doi: 10.1097/00000658-198504000-00002.
The word shock has been used for at least a century in all clinical disciplines to describe a progressive but gradual collapse of vital organ functions. Important initial steps in understanding the problem began at the turn of the century by two means: clear clinical descriptions and the initiation of research into etiology and treatment. The growth of shock treatment and its promising future are discussed.