What was a significant change in medicine during the 19th century?

The introduction of antiseptic techniques marked a significant change in medicine during the 19th century. Prior to this advancement, surgeries often resulted in high rates of infection and mortality due to the lack of understanding about germs and cleanliness. The pioneering work of figures like Joseph Lister, who advocated for the use of carbolic acid to disinfect surgical instruments and the operating environment, fundamentally transformed surgical practice. This approach drastically reduced the incidence of post-operative infections and opened the door for more complex surgical procedures to be performed safely and effectively.

While other advances in medicine occurred during this time, such as improvements in anesthesia and advancements in surgical techniques, the introduction of antiseptic methods was particularly revolutionary in ensuring patient safety and improving surgical outcomes, thereby gaining broad acceptance and dramatically changing medical practices going forward.