Throughout his career, American actor, producer, and film director Sydney Pollack made important contributions to Hollywood. One of his most noteworthy findings was the contrast between the relatively static knowledge of some basic aspects of human biology and the quick advances in technology and medicine.

Pollack's statement highlights the significant advancements in technology and medicine since the Middle Ages. We can now prolong life expectancy, treat diseases that were once fatal, and carry out complex surgeries that save countless lives. There are some constants, though, when it comes to fundamental understanding of some biological systems, especially the heart.

Even though the human heart is a natural wonder, our comprehension of its complexities hasn't changed all that much since about 1230. This period predated the ability of physicians to conduct open heart surgery and to thoroughly examine the heart using imaging techniques like MRI scans and X-rays. Despite these drawbacks, physicians at the time had a startlingly accurate understanding of how the heart works.

Consider attempting to construct a contemporary automobile engine using only the skills of mechanics who work on horse-drawn carriages. Even though we can accomplish amazing things today thanks to our technological prowess, some basic truths have not changed. Centuries ago, the fundamentals of cardiac function were well understood, and they have mainly not changed over time.

Pollack's remark serves as a reminder that, despite our tremendous advancements in many fields, human knowledge and understanding of the world remain limited. It also highlights how crucial it is to acknowledge historical knowledge in addition to contemporary developments. Our forebears frequently possessed knowledge and insight that far outstripped the technological capabilities of their time.