A Discussion On Medical-industry Evolution During 18-19th Century In Britain

The society was transformed into the times of the industrialization during 18-19 th century in Britain. Great changes had taken place in all aspects of society during the two centuries. The medical industry had also been developing rapidly: A large number of new modern hospitals appeared, the doctor team went progressively to specialization, the government took an active part in the management of medical cause and pushed related legislation—these factors jointly promoted the transformation of British medical industry towards the direction of modernization. In Britain, which is the first industrialized country, along with the technological advancements, since 18 th century, the medical industry had been growing by leaps and bounds: a large number of voluntary hospitals appeared, the doctor team went progressively to specialization, the government took an active part in the management of medical cause and pushed related legislation — these factors jointly promoted the transformation of British medical industry towards the direction of modernization. The interdisciplinary theoretical research method that combines sociology and history, provides the theoretical basis for studying the British medical institutions, the changes of the doctor group’s role, the legislative supervision from the government, and revealing the course of medical industry during the period of social transformation. The breakthrough in disciplines of sociology and anthropology contributes to the emergence of new patterns of research on medical history. The new patterns directly apply the research methods in those two disciplines to the study of medical history, making more and more scholars pay attention to the relation between medical science and social development. This article is conducted to expound the development of British medical industry in18-19 th century from three aspects—hospitals, doctors and government,analyzing its social significance while presenting its history.