i used to have these romantic notions of living during the Victorian era, or in a castle in Ireland or something during medieval times. however, then i think about the lack of medical care and how we are so far advanced now. as a woman aged 43, which i am, during those times i might not be alive. having experienced trouble giving birth to my daughter, if it were 100 years ago or 500 years ago, she and i would have died during her childbirth. think of the cavities you (probably) have. if during those times, there would probably be the most basic and barbaric dental care for only the richest who could afford it. think of living without the vaccinations you have, and what diseases you might have. think of the times you have had surgery or broken bones. what kind of treatment would have been available then? all these things make me think at least now, with advances, tests, medications, vaccines, whatever, things we take for granted might have killed us in a previous era.