Final answer:
In the late 1800s, wearing surgical masks became an important innovation in the field of medicine, complementing practices like wearing gloves and sterilizing instruments. These advancements, introduced by pioneers like Dr. Paul Berger and Joseph Lister, were pivotal in reducing infection rates following surgery and establishing the germ theory of disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
An important medical innovation of the late nineteenth century, pioneered by Dr. Paul Berger, alongside the practice of wearing gloves, is c) Masks. The use of surgical masks became a critical advancement in improving antiseptic techniques during surgery. These masks, along with other innovations such as strict handwashing protocols and the sterilization of surgical instruments developed by Joseph Lister, contributed to the drastic reduction of post-surgical infection rates. Lister's methods, influenced by the works of Semmelweis and Pasteur, became a standard medical practice and helped cement the germ theory of disease within the medical community.
Over time, the medical field saw further technological and procedural enhancements. Innovations like the ophthalmoscope and the x-ray improved diagnosis, while the development of pharmaceuticals and anesthetics, such as aspirin and quinine, provided relief for common ailments and diseases. Furthermore, advancements in public health practices played a significant role in controlling the spread of infections, such as the establishment of modern sewer systems to combat diseases like cholera.