1600s: Women are not allowed to perform in plays, and all the female roles are played by boys or men.

Today: Some of the most notable and highly respected performers are women.

1600s: Names do not have a standard spelling. Shakespeare's name appears in several variations, including: Shakespeare, Shaksper, and Shakespere.

Today: Names are spelled consistently, and, for legal purposes, each person's signature is consistent as well.

1600s: Most plays are performed outdoors during the day to take advantage of the natural light. Plays performed indoors must be lit by candlelight.

Today: Most plays are performed indoors in the evening. They are illuminated by electric lighting.

1600s: One of the most common surgical procedures is bloodletting, done through an incision in a vein or the application of leeches.

Today: Thousands of sophisticated surgical techniques are available that have been proven safe and effective.

1600s...