Barometers and bladders: a primer on pressures

We develop a "consilient" (unified) view of pressure as a physical phenomenon and "clinimetric" tool, making a connection between barometers and bladders.

The philosophy, physics and clinical applications of pressure during the last 2 millennia were examined from Lucretius to the modern medical subspecialties.

A variety of units and systems of pressure quantification developed as the physics of pressure became understood. Applications of pressure in clinical medicine with distinct physiological relevance have been created for organ systems across the subspecialties. Some measurements have become useful for management of urinary tract and other diseases.

Despite a broad range of units, systems and applications, a consilient view of pressure in medicine can be approached. This perspective is fundamental to understanding the significance of pressures in the expanding clinimetric arena and should mitigate against misplaced concreteness that is tempting in modern medical practice, whereby laboratory tests become virtual realities and are mistaken for patients.