History of hygiene, microbiology and epidemiology in the art of small forms: the past and the present

Abstract

For the first time, more than 700 award, anniversary and commemorative badges reflecting the history of hygiene, microbiology and epidemiology were systematized and analyzed. The following directions are identified for studying the history of these medical specialties and educational and scientific disciplines with the help of epigraphy: 1) outstanding figures of hygiene, microbiology and epidemiology; 2) hygienic and epidemiological congresses, congresses and other forums; 3) specialized research institutions; 4) educational institutions and faculties of universities that train specialists in the field of hygiene, microbiology and epidemiology; 5) pathogens and vectors of infectious diseases; 6) methods of detecting microorganisms and treating infections; 7) the COVID-19 pandemic. The study showed that during the XX and XXI centuries a large number of badges (awards and commemorative) were issued, reflecting selected pages of the history of hygiene, microbiology and epidemiology. These faleristic objects related to the art of small forms are full-fledged primary sources for studying the history of these areas of medicine and objects for the collections of state, municipal and departmental museums of medical subjects. Signs with portraits of outstanding hygienists, microbiologists and epidemiologists can be used to study and illustrate their life and activities, contribution to science and perpetuate their memory. Epigraphy on the presented signs can help both in establishing the time of a particular fact or event in the past (for example, the dates of the life and activity of an outstanding scientist; the time, place and subject of the scientific forum, the opening date of the research institute, educational institution, faculty or department, etc.), and the specifics of conducting scientific research in the field of hygiene, microbiology and epidemiology (pathogens and vectors of diseases; concepts, devices and research methods, methods of diagnosis and prevention of infectious diseases, etc.).