"Doctor, I have an ear ache."

2000 B.C. - "Here, eat this root."

1000 B.C. - "That root is heathen, say this prayer."

1850 A.D. - "That prayer is superstition, drink this potion."

1920 A.D. - "That potion is snake oil, swallow this pill."

1975 A.D. - "That pill is ineffective, take this antibiotic."

2006 A.D. - "That antibiotic is artificial. Here, eat this root!"