renaissance medicine 1500-1700

• What was a significant change in ideas about disease during the Renaissance?

  Fewer people believed in supernatural or religious causes of disease.
• How did the decline of the Church's influence affect beliefs about disease?

  It shifted the focus from God as a cause of disease to more scientific explanations.
• What was the main focus of investigation during the Renaissance regarding disease and anatomy?

  Further investigation into Ancient Greek and Roman theories
• How did beliefs about the causes of disease change during the Renaissance?

  Fewer people believed in supernatural or religious causes of disease
• What was a major change in the understanding of disease during the Renaissance?

  The decline in the influence of the Church and a shift to a scientific approach
• What new rational explanation for disease was suggested during the Renaissance?

  Seeds in the air spreading disease
• How did the authority of the Catholic Church change during the Renaissance?

  New religious ideas challenged its authority, weakening its influence
• What was the general belief about the cause of disease by the end of the Renaissance?

  People began to look for new explanations rather than attributing disease to God
• How did the work of physicians change during the Renaissance?

  The way disease was diagnosed gradually began to improve
• Who was a significant figure influencing the change in medical diagnosis during the Renaissance?

  Thomas Sydenham
• What did Thomas Sydenham emphasize in his medical practice?

  He observed patients and recorded symptoms in detail
• What was a key idea introduced by Thomas Sydenham regarding disease?

  A disease had nothing to do with the nature of the person who had it
• What was the title of Thomas Sydenham's influential book?

  *Observationes Medica*
• How did physicians' beliefs about astrology change during the Renaissance?

  Fewer people believed that astrology caused disease
• What did physicians realize about urine as an indicator of disease?

  Urine was not a good indicator of disease
• How did the approach to patient examination change during the Renaissance?

  Physicians carried out more direct observations and examinations
• What were the continuities in ideas on causes of disease during the Renaissance?

  • The theory of miasma continued to be believed by many.
  • The theory of the Four Humours remained an accepted explanation, though fewer physicians believed in it by 1700.
• What nickname was given to Thomas Sydenham due to his influence on doctors?

  The ‘English Hippocrates’
• What was one of the main developments during the Renaissance regarding disease?

  • Development of a new scientific approach to understanding the causes and treatment of disease.
• What was one of the major changes during the Renaissance period?

  The communication and transmission of new ideas
• What was the significance of the development of the printing press during the Renaissance?

  It facilitated the spread of new ideas and knowledge
• What was the aim of the Royal Society?

  To further scientific understanding
• How did the Royal Society contribute to scientific research?

  By carrying out and recording experiments, sharing knowledge, and encouraging new theories
• What was the significance of the journal *Philosophical Transactions* published by the Royal Society?

  It allowed scientists to share their work and ideas, facilitating collaboration
• How did the publication of *Philosophical Transactions* impact the medical community?

  It enabled doctors and scientists to study, challenge, and build on each other's research
• Who granted a Royal Charter to the Royal Society?

  King Charles II
• Why was King Charles II's approval significant for the Royal Society?

  It helped the society gain credibility
• In what year did the Royal Society begin publishing *Philosophical Transactions*?

  1665
• What were the main functions of the Royal Society during the Renaissance?

  • Further scientific understanding
  • Carry out and record experiments
  • Share scientific knowledge
  • Encourage new theories and ideas
  • Sponsor scientists for research
• what was the book/journal called that the royal society published ?

  philosophical transactions
• who was the printing press invented by?

  gutenberg in 1440
• What period does the study material cover regarding the Renaissance in medicine?

  1. 1500-c.1700
• What was the continuity in prevention, treatment, and care during the Renaissance?


  • Most treatments and preventions remained the same.
  • Hospitals treated more sick people and had apothecaries.
  • Community care was prevalent, with home care by relatives.
• By 1500, how were hospitals being used differently compared to earlier times?


  They were treating more sick people and used less by travelers and pilgrims.
• What significant event in 1536 affected hospitals in England?


  The dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII caused most hospitals to close.
• When did the number of hospitals return to pre-dissolution levels?


  Well into the 1700s.
• What were pest houses used for during the Renaissance?


  They were places where people suffering from contagious diseases could go for care.
• How did the management of hospitals change when they re-appeared after the Renaissance?

  They were run by physicians focused on treating the sick rather than by religion.
• How was community care similar to medieval times during the Renaissance?

  • Most ill people were cared for at home.
  • Care was usually provided by female relatives.
  • Community members, often women, helped with advice and remedies.
• What was the role of apothecaries during the Renaissance?

  They mixed medicines for hospitals and patients.