The Role of the Government in 18th and 19th Century Medicine

What role did the government play in medicine in the 18th and 19th centuries?

During the 19th century the government introduced a wide range of new laws to improve public health. It became extremely significant.

What are some examples of the government influencing medicine in the 18th and 19th century?

Here are some examples of the role that the government played.

• ❖ Koch and Pasteur were financed by their governments.
• ❖ Parliament gave Jenner £10,000 for his research.
• ❖ In 1853, the government made smallpox vaccination compulsory.
• ❖ The Great Stink of 1858 led the government to ask Bazalgette to create a new London sewer system.