medieval medicine 1200-1500

• What was the dominant institution in medieval society during the Middle Ages?

  The Christian Church
• What were common beliefs about the causes of illness in the Middle Ages?

  Beliefs in religious and supernatural causes of illness
• According to the Church, why did God make people ill?

  Because He was displeased with them or was testing their faith
• How did the belief in God as a cause of disease affect medical research in medieval times?


  It held back medical research and limited new ideas about disease causes
• Who primarily taught ordinary people about medicine during the Middle Ages?

  The Church
• What role did the Church play in formal learning during the Middle Ages?

  • Set up and ran universities for physician training
  • Monks and priests were literate, influencing education
  • Monasteries housed large collections of books
• Which ancient physician's theories did the Church promote during the Middle Ages?

  Galen
• Why were dissections not common during the Middle Ages?


  They were often used to teach Galen’s theories, and contradictions were ignored
• How did the Church's teachings influence the care of the sick?

  The Church taught that people should care for the sick, leading to hospitals in monasteries
• How was astrology used in the diagnosis of patients during the Middle Ages?

  Astrology was used to help diagnose what was wrong with a patient
• Did the use of astrology increase or decrease during the period around 1250?

  It increased
• What was the significance of abbeys and monasteries during the Middle Ages?

  • They were increasingly important in society
  • They dominated many aspects of life, including medicine
• In what ways did the Christian Church help medicine in the Middle Ages?

  By providing care for the sick and establishing hospitals
• In what ways did the Christian Church hinder medicine in the Middle Ages?

  By promoting outdated medical practices and limiting new ideas
• What was the primary focus of medical treatment during the Middle Ages?

  Rational and religious methods as well as traditional remedies
• What was the Four Humours theory related to?

  It was related to the balance of bodily fluids affecting health
• What was the most common treatment for an imbalance of humours?

  Bloodletting
• How was bloodletting performed?

  By cutting a vein, using leeches, or cupping
• Who typically performed bloodletting during the Middle Ages?

  Barber-surgeons or non-medical persons
• What was another treatment used to re-balance the humours?

  Purging
• What did purging involve?

  Making a patient vomit or go to the toilet
• Who prescribed treatments during the Middle Ages?

  Apothecaries, wise women, and physicians
• What were the methods to prevent illness during the Middle Ages?

  • Living a Christian life (praying, going to church)
  • Traditional remedies (herbs, foods, ointments)
  • Carrying charms or amulets
  • Keeping streets clean
  • Purifying the air
  • Bathing and washing
  • Exercising
• What were the most common traditional remedies made from?

  Herbs
• How were traditional remedies typically used?

  Drunk, sniffed, or bathed in
• What were some religious treatments used during the Middle Ages?

  Praying, fasting, going on pilgrimage, paying for a special Mass
• What was the purpose of self-punishment like flagellation?

  To avoid punishment from God
• What was a common supernatural treatment for toothache?

  Hanging a magpie’s beak around your neck
• What time period does the study material cover regarding the Middle Ages?

  c1250-c1500
• What were the general characteristics of people who treated the sick in the Middle Ages?

  • No formal training
  • Provided basic care
  • Could perform minor surgical procedures
  • Often did not use antiseptics
  • Typically worked from home
  • Utilized herbs for treatment
• Who primarily provided care in people's homes during the Middle Ages?

  Female caregivers, often the Lady of the house
• How did the ability to provide home care vary among families in the Middle Ages?

  Wealthy families often had trained women to provide care
• What is the role of apothecaries in the Middle Ages?


  • Received training but lacked medical qualifications
  • Had knowledge based on traditions
  • Could hold titles of surgeon or physician
• What distinguishes physicians from apothecaries in the Middle Ages?


  • Physicians were trained at universities
  • Physicians diagnosed illnesses and prescribed treatments
  • Physicians were primarily used by the wealthy
• What were the common practices of physicians in diagnosing illnesses?


  They observed symptoms, checked pulse, skin color, and urine
• What did physicians consult to aid in their diagnosis?


  Urine charts and zodiac charts
• What was the typical process a physician followed after diagnosing a patient?


  They treated patients themselves or referred them to a surgeon or apothecary
• What was the primary function of hospitals during the Middle Ages?

  • Served as places for travelers and pilgrims
  • Increased in number during the Middle Ages
  • Did not admit patients with simple infections or incurable conditions
• Who primarily ran many hospitals in the Middle Ages?

  The Church
• What were the typical conditions for patients in hospitals during the Middle Ages?

  Patients received food, washing, and possibly a bed