Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026
04:53
A Clinical Trial Assessing the Safety, Efficacy, and Delivery of Olive-Oil-Based Three-Chamber Bags for Parenteral Nutrition
Published on: September 20, 2019
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The first documented controlled trial in history.
Summary
The earliest controlled human trial, dating back 2500 years, involved Gideon testing divine intervention using a wool fleece experiment to confirm a prophecy. This demonstrates early scientific principles in practice.
Area of Science:
- Biblical studies
- History of science
- Experimental design
Background:
- The abstract discusses the earliest documented controlled human trial attributed to Gideon Ben Yoash.
- It highlights the trial's setup, involving a wool fleece and varying moisture conditions.
Observation:
- Gideon proposed a two-part test to a divine entity.
- The first part involved dew on the fleece while the ground remained dry.
- The second part involved a dry fleece while the ground was wet.
Findings:
- The abstract implies the successful execution of Gideon's experimental conditions.
- It suggests these early principles of controlled testing were not widely adopted for centuries.
Implications:
- The historical account serves as an early example of empirical testing and hypothesis validation.
- The lack of subsequent application of these principles may have delayed scientific and medical advancements.
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