A Short History of MedicineI have an earache…2000 B.C. – Here, eat this root.1000 A.D. – That root is heathen. Here, say this prayer.1850 A.D. – That prayer is superstition. Here, drink this potion.1940 A.D. – That potion is snake oil. Here, swallow this pill.1985 A.D. – That pill is ineffective. Here, take this antibiotic.2000 A.D. – That antibiotic is artificial. Here, eat this root.