Medicine is the science that studies how to make people healthy. In the United States, people have been studying medicine since the 1600s. Doctors used herbs, plants, and other methods to try and cure illnesses. In the 1800s, doctors began to use new methods to treat people. They started using surgeries, or operations, and new medicines. More and more doctors used these methods to try and keep people healthy. By the 1900s, doctors had made great progress. They used X-rays and other tools to better understand illness and diseases. These tools allowed them to better diagnose and treat people. In the 20th century, doctors started using antibiotics and vaccines to prevent and cure more types of illnesses. Now in the 21st century, doctors are able to use even more technology and medicines to help people. They can perform surgery with lasers and use robotic arms to help with operations. They can also use new medicines that can target specific types of illnesses. All of these advances have helped make people healthier and longer lives.