Barometers and bladders: A primer on pressures

Purpose: We develop a "consilient" (unified) view of pressure as a physical phenomenon and "clinimetric" tool, making a connection between barometers and bladders. Materials and Methods: The philosophy, physics and clinical applications of pressure during the last 2 millennia were examined from Lucretius to the m odern medical subspecialties. Results: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 f or organ systems across the subspecialties. Some measurements have become u seful for management of urinary tract and other diseases. Conclusions: Despite a broad range of units, systems and applications, a co nsilient view of pressure in medicine can be approached. This perspective i s fundamental to understanding the significance of pressures in the expandi ng clinimetric arena and should mitigate against misplaced concreteness tha t is tempting in modern medical-practice, whereby laboratory tests became v irtual realities and are mistaken for patients.