A Short History of Medicine

2000 BC:
  "Doctor, I have an ear ache."
    "Here, eat this root."

1000 BC:
  "Doctor, I have an ear ache."
    "That root is heathen, say this prayer."

1850 AD:
  "Doctor, I have an ear ache."
    "That prayer is superstition, drink this potion."

1940 AD:
  "Doctor, I have an ear ache."
    "That potion is snake oil, swallow this pill."

1985 AD:
  "Doctor, I have an ear ache."
    "That pill is ineffective, take this antibiotic."

2000 AD:
  "Doctor, I have an ear ache."
    "That antibiotic is artificial. Here, eat this root."