Medicine It is almost impossible to imagine the modern world without medicine. The word medicine is derived from Latin and means ‘the art of healing’. Being an ancient science, medicine has always helped to cure people from dangerous diseases. The main aim of medicine is not only to treat the illness, but also to diagnose and try to prevent it. Contemporary medicine is so advanced that doctors can foresee the health problems of a baby yet in the womb. It became possible thanks to modern technology. The development of medicine started at ancient times, when animal parts, minerals and plants were used to cure people. It was the time of ‘herbal medicine’. Some people still follow this type of treatment and find it effective. Middle Ages have introduced small hospitals attached to cathedrals or monasteries. Modern medicine has brought various vaccines and antibiotics. There are also many branches and highly-qualified health professionals in modern medicine. If someone is allergic to some products or plants, he or she can see an allergist. If someone suffers from poor eyesight, he or she can address the ophthalmologist. If the problem is connected with teeth, people go to the dentist. Nowadays, our country offers two kinds of medical service. There are state institutions which treat the local residents free of charge, and private clinics, where all services are paid and quite expensive. Speaking of my family, we usually try to go to a state clinic if someone gets ill but it’s not always easy. You need to schedule an appointment in advance and be a resident of a region where you want to be treated.