The development of the hospital has not been a smooth and easy advance.

■ Centuries of experiments, scientific discoveries, and public enlightenment were necessary to break down the barriers of ignorance and prejudice.

■ The evolution was accomplished in cycles, with alternating dark and golden ages.

■ Never has the hospital possessed the quality and quantity of scientific care for the sick that it has today, never before has its influence been so extensive and so widespread, and never before has it played such an important role in the life of the community.

■ During all of this growth and development, hospitals benefited from technical and scientific developments.