Physical examination

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In health care, the physical examination is a "systematic and thorough inspection of the patient for physical signs of disease or abnormality."[1]

Components of the physical examination

For links to more information, see: Physical examination: Subtopics


Research on the accuracy of the physical examination

Guidelines have been proposed for conducting research on the physical examination.[2]

History of the physical examination

Walker has compiled the following dates in the development of the techniques for the physical examination.[3]

  1. Hippocrates: A Rational Profession 460–370 b.c
  2. Vesalius: Establishment of an Accurate Anatomy, 1543
  3. Sydenham: The Nosology of Disease, 1666
  4. Morgagni: The Foundation of Pathologic Anatomy, 1761
  5. Auenbrugger: The Discovery of Percussion, 1761
  6. Laennec: The Stethoscope, 1816
  7. Helmholtz: The Ophthalmoscope, 1850
  8. Carl Wunderlich: The Thermometer, 1871
  9. Erb and Westphal: The Reflex Hammer, 1875
  10. Riva Rocci: The Sphygmomanometer for measuring blood pressure, 1896

References

External links