Medieval Medicine 1250-1500

• Name Hippocrates’ 4 humors


  Blood, phloem, yellow bile and black bile
• Galen added to Hippocrates theory of the 4 humors and stated that in order to become well you need to rebalance these humours
• Who was Hippocrates?

  Greek physician
• What is the Theory of the 4 Humors?

  Blood, phlegm, black bile, yellow bile
• According to the Theory of the 4 Humors, what indicates health?

  Balanced humors
• According to the Theory of the 4 Humors, what indicates illness?

  Unbalanced humors
• What were two common treatments in the Middle Ages to balance humors?

  Bloodletting and purging
• What tools were used for bloodletting in the Middle Ages?

  Leeches and cuts
• What is purging in the context of Middle Ages medicine?

  Inducing vomiting
• What were two other common treatments in the Middle Ages besides bloodletting and purging?

  Herbal remedies and prayer
• Who was Galen?

  Roman doctor
• What did Galen develop based on Hippocrates' ideas?

  Theory of opposites
• What is an example of the Theory of opposites in practice?

  Using hot pepper to cure a cold
• What did Galen advocate for in terms of healing?

  Healing powers of nature
• What were two common treatments Galen used?

  Bloodletting and purging
• What were two other common treatments Galen used besides bloodletting and purging?

  Herbal remedies and prayer
• What are the key differences between Hippocrates' and Galen's medical theories?

  • Hippocrates: Theory of the 4 Humors
  • Galen: Developed Theory of opposites
  • Both used bloodletting, purging, herbal remedies, and prayer
• How did the Theory of the 4 Humors and the Theory of opposites influence medical treatments in the Middle Ages?

  • Both theories led to treatments aimed at balancing bodily fluids
  • Bloodletting and purging were common to restore balance
  • Herbal remedies and prayer were used to support healing
• What is the Theory of opposites?

  Using opposite treatments to cure illnesses
• Why did Galen use hot pepper to cure a cold?

  To apply the Theory of opposites
• Who headed the Christian Church in Europe?

  The Pope
• Who was the head of the Church in England?

  The Archbishop of Canterbury
• What role did the network of priests play in society?

  They influenced everyone's ideas
• Where were the largest libraries located during this period?

  In monasteries
• What was the primary activity of monks in monasteries?

  Reading and copying books by hand
• What were the attitudes towards the Bible and tradition?

  • Respect for the Bible and ancient books
  • Not encouraged to challenge tradition
• Who controlled education during this period?

  The Church
• By the 15th Century, what percentage of people in large towns could read?

  50%
• What types of books were most commonly read?

  Prayer books and religious books
• When did printing come to England?

  In the 1470s
• What was the impact of hand-copying books before printing?

  Knowledge spread slowly
• When did hospitals first appear?

  In the 11th century
• Who ran the hospitals during this period?

  Nuns and monks
• How many hospitals were there by 1400?

  Over 500
• What was the primary function of hospitals?

  To provide food and shelter
• How long did physicians train at university?

  7 years
• How many physicians were there in England in 1800?

  Less than 100
• Who could afford to become a physician?

  Only the rich
• How did surgeons learn their trade?

  Through apprenticeships and practice
• What types of surgeries did barber surgeons perform?

  Bleeding, tumor removal, amputations