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The Development of Scientific Medicine and its Impact on Society in Taiwan, 1865 to 1945

In 1937 Japan's invasion of China called forth the world's condemnation (especially by UK and USA). Japan's attitude changed and became very anti-British and anti-American. The police and plain-clothes detectives in Taiwan followed British subjects everywhere and questioned them. If the police were too aggressive to him G-T had a ploy: he would say, "By the way, the Empress Dowager presented me with a poem" and he would solemnly recite it. His questioners would click heels, stand to attention, then say, " Good Day, Dr. Taylor" and leave him.

The missionaries, and most commercial personnel in Taipei, left Taiwan before Pearl Harbour (December 8th, 1941). The hospitals, schools and other mission property were all legally transferred to the ownership of the Presbyterian Church of Taiwan. The leprosy colony was placed under a juridical property-holding body. The hospitals, along with the Government hospitals were caught up in the exigencies of war. They survived into the peace, not without serious impairment of staff, property and equipment.

Conclusion

The impact of scientific medicine on Society in Taiwan starting in 1865 can be variously described.

    1. Historically the immediate conflict was with traditional medicine. But the success of surgery was something with which traditional medicine could not compete. In time the antagonism died down and friendly co-existence holds sway.
    2. Scientific medicine represents part of an overall civilizing influence.
    3. In the early years the concept of the germ – cause of infectious disease, once understood, enabled the populace to co-operate in various measures to prevent infection – in the home, society and the work place.
    4. Mission hospitals and government hospitals worked together – there was good co-operation.
    5. The training of doctors in the three mission hospitals began before the Taipei Medical College was set up. These men became good doctors, serving the communities in which they lived.


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