4.2 Revolutionary Steps in Surgery - Class 8 - Kumarbharati

Author: Information-based Lesson (Science & Technology)

Genre: Informative / Historical Prose

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Class 8

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The lesson Revolutionary Steps in Surgery traces the history and progress of surgical science. Surgery has existed since ancient times, as seen in Sushruta Samhita, one of the earliest works on plastic surgery. For centuries, major surgery was limited because patients had to bear severe pain without anaesthesia. The discovery of anaesthetics like ether and chloroform in the 19th century made painless operations possible. Later, new branches such as cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, and robotic surgery brought dramatic changes. Dr. Daniel Hale Williams performed the first successful heart surgery in 1893, while Harvey Cushing pioneered neurosurgery, reducing its death rate greatly. The latest advancement is robotic surgery, where doctors operate using robotic arms controlled through a console. These innovations highlight human progress in science and technology, making surgeries safer, less painful, and more successful.

Theme / Central Idea

The central idea of the lesson is the progress of medical science through revolutionary developments in surgery. It stresses how human intelligence and technology have transformed surgery from painful manual methods to precise and safe procedures.

Character Sketches

Dr. Daniel Hale Williams

• First surgeon to perform successful heart surgery in 1893.

• Courageous and skilled African-American doctor.

• Operated on James Cornish, saving his life.

• Pioneered cardiac surgery without modern tools.

  
  

Dr. Harvey Cushing

• Known as the father of modern neurosurgery.

• Developed techniques and instruments for brain surgery.

• Reduced neurosurgery death rates from 90% to less than 10%.

• Invented the “Cushing clip” to stop blood loss.

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions (5)

1. Infinitive / Gerund

   Sentence: “Doctors had to cut open the unhealthy part of the body.”

   Infinitive: to cut shows purpose.

   
   

2. Passive Voice

   Active: Dr. Williams performed the first heart surgery.Passive: The first heart surgery was performed by Dr. Williams.

   
   

3. Modal Auxiliary

   Sentence: “Surgeons can perform complicated operations successfully.”

   Can shows ability.

   
   

4. Tense Change

   Direct: The doctor said, “The patient is safe now.”Indirect: The doctor said that the patient was safe then.

5. Wh-Question Framing

   Statement: Dr. Cushing invented the silver clip.Question: Who invented the silver clip?

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. What do you learn from the progress of surgery?

   The progress of surgery teaches that continuous research and innovation can solve the toughest problems. Human courage and intelligence can transform impossible tasks into reality. It inspires us to value science as a tool for human welfare.

   
   

2. Why do you think Dr. Williams’ surgery was remarkable?

   Dr. Williams’ surgery was remarkable because he performed it without modern tools and technology. His courage to attempt heart surgery in 1893 saved James Cornish’s life. It was a milestone in medical history.

   
   

3. How did Harvey Cushing contribute to medical science?

   Harvey Cushing contributed by pioneering neurosurgery. He developed instruments and techniques that made brain surgery safer. His work reduced death rates and gave hope to countless patients. His contribution remains unforgettable.

   
   

4. Do you think robotic surgery is a blessing? Why?Robotic surgery is a blessing because it allows doctors to perform with high precision and accuracy. Smaller incisions reduce pain, blood loss, and recovery time. It represents the perfect blend of science and technology for human health.

   
   

5. What lesson do you get from the history of surgery?

   The history of surgery gives the lesson that science progresses step by step. From painful operations in ancient times to modern robotic surgery, each stage reflects human determination. It shows that patience and innovation bring success.

True or False (5)

1. Sushruta Samhita is one of the oldest works on surgery. → True

   
   

2. Anaesthesia was available since ancient times. → False (It developed in the 19th century.)

3. Dr. Daniel Hale Williams performed the first heart surgery in 1893. → True

   
   

4. Dr. Harvey Cushing is known as the father of modern cardiac surgery. → False (He is the father of neurosurgery.)

   
   

5. Robotic surgery allows very small incisions and faster recovery.

   → True

📌 Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. Why could major surgery not develop for centuries?

   Major surgery could not develop for centuries because there was no knowledge of anaesthesia. Patients had to suffer unbearable pain during operations. This made surgeries risky and limited.

   
   

2. Describe the first successful cardiac surgery.

   The first successful cardiac surgery was done by Dr. Daniel Hale Williams in 1893. He operated on James Cornish, who had a knife wound near his heart. Despite the lack of modern tools, the surgery saved the patient’s life.

   
   

3. How did Dr. Harvey Cushing revolutionize neurosurgery?

   Dr. Harvey Cushing reduced death rates in brain surgery from 90% to 10%. He invented the silver clip to stop blood loss. His contributions established neurosurgery as a specialized branch.

   
   

4. What is Da Vinci in robotic surgery?Da Vinci is the world’s most advanced surgical robot. It uses robotic arms and a 3-D camera controlled by the surgeon. It provides accuracy and precision, making surgeries safer and less invasive.

   
   

5. What are the advantages of robotic surgery?

   Robotic surgery requires only small incisions, reducing pain and blood loss. Patients recover faster and face fewer risks. It allows surgeons to perform complex procedures with great precision.

📄 Appreciation / Reflection ParagraphRevolutionary Steps in Surgery is an informative lesson that celebrates the progress of medical science. It connects ancient surgery with modern techniques, showing how human intelligence and innovation improved health care. The stories of Dr. Williams and Dr. Cushing inspire courage and dedication. The lesson also highlights the role of technology, especially robotic surgery, in modern medicine. Its importance lies in reminding students to respect science and to value the service of doctors who save lives.

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