Medicine through time (the Renaissance period)

• An important figure in the Renaissance period was Andreas Vesalius, who revolutionized the understanding of human anatomy through his detailed dissections.
• During the Renaissance, there was a shift towards more scientific and evidence-based medical practices, moving away from traditional beliefs and superstitions.
• The Renaissance was the rebirth of classical learning, with an emphasis on humanism.
• The use of human dissection for educational purposes became more accepted during the Renaissance, leading to significant discoveries in the field of anatomy.
• Renaissance physicians focused more on practical medicine than theoretical knowledge.
• Renaissance thinkers rejected medieval superstition and embraced reason and logic.
• Vesalius' work challenged Galenic theories and led to significant advancements in medical knowledge during this era.
• The Renaissance period saw the emergence of new scientific discoveries that contributed significantly to medicine.
• The Renaissance saw advancements in surgical techniques, such as the development of new instruments like forceps and scissors.
• Humanists believed that humans were capable of reason and rationality, leading to advancements in science and medicine during this time.
• Galen's work remained influential throughout the Middle Ages, but it began to be challenged by new discoveries and ideas during the Renaissance.
• Andreas Vesalius' book "De Humani Corporis Fabrica" provided accurate descriptions of the human body based on direct observation and experimentation.
• Vesalius challenged Galenic theories about the structure and function of the human body, including the number of bones in the skull and the location of organs within the abdominal cavity.
• William Harvey made groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of blood circulation, challenging previous ideas that blood flowed only between the heart and lungs.
• Andreas Vesalius challenged Galen's theories about the structure of the body by conducting extensive dissections and publishing his findings in De Humani Corporis Fabrica.
• Humanists believed that humans were unique and special compared to other animals.
• Andreas Vesalius' book "De Humani Corporis Fabrica" provided accurate descriptions of the human body based on direct observation.
• Advancements in surgery were made during the Renaissance, including the development of new surgical instruments and techniques.
• Andreas Vesalius published his book "De Humani Corporis Fabrica" in 1543, which provided detailed descriptions of the human body based on dissections.
• During the Renaissance, there was increased interest in hygiene and sanitation practices, which helped prevent diseases from spreading.
• In the Middle Ages, people believed that illnesses were caused by evil spirits or demons, so they turned to religious figures for healing.
• The Renaissance also witnessed the rise of universities, which played a crucial role in advancing medical education and research.
• Renaissance


  1500
• Renaissance


  1700
• Renaissance


  Rebirth of learning
• Andreas Vesalius


  • Anatomy and publication of The Fabric of the Human Body
• William Harvey


  • Role of the heart
• Thomas Sydenham


  • Improved treatment and diagnosis
• Very little had changed since the Middle Ages in ideas about causes of illness and disease
• The Great Plague of London (1665) was explained in the same ways as 1348
• Approaches to treatment


  • As in the Middle Ages
  • Some new herbal remedies from Overseas were introduced
• Theory of Transference


  Rub objects on yourself to transfer the illness to that object
• Hospitals increasingly run by local councils rather than the church
• Many hospitals were pest houses for people with contagious diseases
• Approaches to prevention


  • Using bonfires to drive away bad air
  • Using strong smelling herbs to drive away bad air
  • Placing plague victims in quarantine in 1665
  • Closing theatres and banning large gatherings in 1665
• Factors/Reasons for continuity or change

  • Reduced power of the Catholic Church (Reformation)
  • Technology: invention of the Printing Press
  • Willingness to challenge old ideas with Scientific approaches
  • The Royal Society