Travels of a Female Physician in the Ming Dynasty

Ever since our improved scalpel was recognized by the Imperial Hospital, Zhu Yuan's enthusiasm has been like a shot of chicken blood, and he keeps nagging me to continue working on the "big project".

As for me, although I appeared calm on the surface, I had actually already drawn up a huge "medical device transformation blueprint" in my mind.

After all, as a time traveler, I know that these small improvements can not only improve the efficiency of doctors, but also truly save more lives.

This is what I want to do.

Just when I was planning to plan my next step, Zhu Yuan suddenly slammed the table, looking excited as if he had discovered a new world.

"Miss Yang! I have something important to announce!" He strode into the pharmacy, scaring me so much that I almost spilled the herbs in my hand.

"What's wrong with you again?" I frowned slightly, and I had a vague premonition that this guy was going to assign me some "new task".

Zhu Yuan came over with a mysterious look on his face, giving me a compliment-me-quick look. "You said our surgical tools are pretty advanced now, so isn't it time to consider operating tables? I think our doctors in Daming work too hard. They always have to bend over when performing surgery, especially major surgeries. Bending over for so long must be exhausting."

My heart was moved, but I pretended to be calm on the surface. "Yes, you're right. The operating tables nowadays are really too primitive. Doctors have incorrect postures when performing operations. If the surgery lasts for a long time, their bodies will definitely not be able to bear it."

When Zhu Yuan saw that I agreed with his idea, his eyes immediately lit up: "Right, right! I was saying, we need to get an operating table with adjustable height, so that the imperial doctors don't have to keep their heads down when performing surgery, and their backs won't be sore!"

I suppressed my smile and thought to myself: This guy, although he knows nothing about the details, can always come up with some good suggestions on the direction.

"Okay," I nodded. "I've already got some ideas. Next, let's start modifying the operating table."

A few days later, I began leading the design work for the operating table.

"Ms. Yang, how do you think we should modify the operating table?" Zhu Yuan asked curiously as he helped me spread out the sketch.

I picked up my paintbrush and lightly sketched a few rough outlines on the paper. I explained, "First, the operating table needs to be height-adjustable. Surgeons come in different heights, and some find it uncomfortable to bend over during surgery. We need to allow them to adjust the table's height to suit their needs."

"Oh, that's a good idea!" Zhu Yuan nodded excitedly. "But how do we adjust it? Do we need to set up a mechanism?"

"That's right." I continued drawing. "I want to design a simple hand-cranked device that uses the principles of gears and levers to allow the height of the operating table to be freely raised and lowered."

Zhu Yuan was stunned and scratched his head. "Gears... levers... your words sound a bit profound, but they sound very impressive!"

I couldn't help but smile and continued, "Also, the surface of the operating table needs some improvements. The current operating table is too hard, and patients will feel uncomfortable lying on it for a long time, which may even affect the effectiveness of the surgery. We can add a layer of cushioning to the table, which will not only make the patient more comfortable, but also make the operation smoother for the doctor."

Zhu Yuan's eyes lit up: "Your brain is full of treasures! If you do this, the imperial doctors will definitely be grateful to you for the rest of their lives!"

I smiled without saying anything, but I had already imagined the entire scene of the operating table in my mind.

Although this design is simple, if implemented, it will greatly improve the operating efficiency of doctors.

A few days later, the sample of the operating table was finally completed.

We found the best craftsmen in Beijing and built a brand new operating table according to my design drawings.

This operating table not only has adjustable height, but also has a layer of cushioning on the surface, making it look much more advanced than the previous wooden table.

"Miss Yang, look at this platform!" Zhu Yuan said excitedly as he touched the hand-cranked device. "This mechanism turns quite smoothly. You are a genius!"

I smiled and felt confident about this design.

Although this operating table is far from modern standards, it is a huge improvement in this era.

"Alright," I clapped my hands, "Hurry and send it to the Imperial Hospital so the imperial doctors can try it out and see how it works."

The next day, we took the operating table to the Imperial Hospital.

As soon as the imperial doctors saw this brand new operating table, they immediately gathered around it and studied every detail of it with curiosity.

Especially the device that can be manually adjusted in height, which really opened their eyes.

"This...this table can actually be adjusted in height?" An imperial physician said in amazement, stroking his chin. "If this were used, our surgery would be much easier!"

"And it has a soft cushion, which will make the patient feel much more comfortable lying down." Another imperial physician nodded, "This is really a great thing!"

Zhu Yuan stood aside and said proudly: "Of course! This is a modified one we made specially for you genius doctors!"

I silently observed the reactions of the imperial doctors and breathed a sigh of relief. Sure enough, modern design concepts can still adapt to the needs of this era.

"Miss Yang, look, this is another great success!" Zhu Yuan smiled and leaned close to my ear, his tone full of pride.

I couldn't help but laugh. "This is just the beginning. There are still many details to be improved, such as the placement of instruments during surgery and even the design of the surgical light."

Zhu Yuan was stunned when he heard this: "Surgical light? What is this?"

I suddenly realized I'd said too much and quickly made an excuse: "Oh, it's just something to make the operating room brighter. The lighting these days is sometimes not good enough, and doctors may have trouble seeing during delicate surgeries."

Zhu Yuan scratched his head, obviously not understanding, but he didn't ask any more questions, just nodded: "Okay, anyway, what you said must make sense. Next, let's continue working hard to get all of this done!"

Over the next few months, I continued to lead improvements to the operating table and other medical equipment.

Under my guidance, craftsmen not only improved the operating table but also began to design more sophisticated surgical instruments, such as hemostats, clamps, and tweezers.

Each tool has been repeatedly polished to ensure that it meets the needs of doctors and maximizes the success rate of the operation.

"Miss Yang, do you think we should promote these devices nationwide?" Zhu Yuan asked with a smile while organizing the tools.

I nodded, already having a bigger plan in mind. "Of course. If these devices can be popularized, they will not only help more doctors, but also save more patients."

Zhu Yuan listened with admiration: "Wow, you are really a very wise person! I thought you only knew how to treat illnesses and prescribe medicine, but I didn't expect you could also modify equipment!"

I smiled without saying anything, but secretly felt relieved in my heart: Fortunately, no one knew my true identity, otherwise they would definitely think that I was a little too "advanced".

A few months later, the improved operating tables and instruments were fully promoted in the Imperial Hospital.

The imperial physicians praised the new instruments highly, and some even proposed that they be promoted in clinics and medical schools across the country.

When the emperor learned about it, he issued a special decree to commend us and commend our contributions.

"Miss Yang, look, we have made another great contribution this time!" Zhu Yuan held the imperial edict of commendation and smiled from ear to ear.

I looked at his smug look and couldn't help laughing. "You're always thinking about making achievements. But this time you did quite a bit."

Zhu Yuan chuckled: "Of course! But, all the credit is yours, I'm just an errand boy."

I smiled and shook my head, but I was secretly determined in my heart: Next, I will continue to promote more improvements until the Ming Dynasty's medical system truly reaches the world's leading level.