History- Medicine 1500-1700

• What time period does the study material focus on regarding changes in ideas about the causes of disease?

  1. 1500-1700
• How did people's beliefs about the causes of illness change during 1500-1700?

  People began to seek more scientific and medical explanations for diseases.
• What was the prevailing belief about miasma during this period?

  Miasma was believed to be a cause of disease, but it was not a sufficient explanation for avoiding bad smells.
• What significant cultural movement influenced ideas about disease during this time?

  The Renaissance, which involved the rediscovery of ancient Greek and Roman ideas.
• What was the theory of four humours and how was it viewed by 1700?

  The theory of four humours was still important but was losing popularity by 1700.
• Who proposed that disease was caused by seeds in the air?

  Girolamo Fracastoro
• What did William Harvey discover about blood circulation?

  Blood circulates around the body.
• What advancements in medical technology occurred during this period?

  New microscopes were developed, leading to the first observations of bacteria.
• How did the understanding of illness change during this period?

  Illness was seen as caused by external factors with different symptoms requiring different treatments.
• What was the role of the Royal Society established in 1660?

  The Royal Society was a platform for scientists to discuss theories and publish correct findings.
• What was the significance of Thomas Sydenham's approach to medicine?

  He focused on symptoms and tracing the disease's cause rather than relying on medical books.
• What did Thomas Sydenham identify about measles and scarlet fever?

  He identified that measles and scarlet fever were separate diseases.
• How did the dissolution of monasteries affect hospitals?

  It made it harder for hospitals to stay open as they were connected to the Church.
• What were pest houses?

  Pest houses were hospitals that specialized in treating specific diseases like the plague.
• What was Andreas Vesalius known for?

  He challenged Galen's ideas and made significant discoveries about human anatomy.
• How did Vesalius's work influence future anatomists?

  His work laid the foundation for future anatomists to study the human body in greater detail.
• What was the impact of the Great Plague of 1665 on London?

  It resulted in 100,000 deaths, with a peak of 7,000 deaths in one week.
• What were some of the beliefs about the causes of the Great Plague?

  Beliefs included astrology, punishment from God, and miasma.
• What treatments were used during the Great Plague?

  People were wrapped in woolen cloths and laid by a fire to sweat out the disease.
• How did Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch contribute to the understanding of disease?

  Pasteur disproved spontaneous generation and Koch identified different germs causing diseases.
• What was the Germ Theory and who developed it?

  The Germ Theory, developed by Koch, stated that different germs cause different diseases.
• What was the significance of Joseph Lister's work?

  He linked the germ theory to infections and improved surgical practices.
• How did the Enlightenment influence people's approach to disease?

  It encouraged people to think for themselves and seek answers about disease beyond religious control.
• What were the main changes in hospital care from 1500 to 1700?

  • Hospitals began treating wounds and curable diseases.
  • Patients had longer stays and better access to food.
  • Physicians observed symptoms and prescribed treatments.
  • Dissolution of monasteries led to fewer hospitals.
  • New pest houses specialized in treating infectious diseases.
• What were the continuities and changes in beliefs about disease from 1500 to 1700?

  Continuities:

  • Miasma remained largely unchallenged.
  • Four humours continued to be important.
  • Religion and astrology still influenced beliefs.

  
  

  Changes:

  • Shift towards scientific explanations for disease.
  • Understanding that diseases could be transmitted person to person.
  • Development of new medical practices and technologies.
• What were the key contributions of notable figures in medicine during this period?

  • Andreas Vesalius: Challenged Galen's ideas and advanced anatomy.
  • Thomas Sydenham: Focused on symptoms and disease tracing.
  • Girolamo Fracastoro: Proposed disease caused by seeds in the air.
  • Louis Pasteur: Disproved spontaneous generation and developed germ theory.
  • Robert Koch: Identified specific germs causing diseases.