Renaissance (c.1500-c.1700)

• During the Renaissance, new medical knowledge began to emerge as scholars translated ancient Greek texts into Latin.
• Andreas Vesalius challenged Galen's theories with his book "De humani corporis fabrica" (1543), which included detailed illustrations of the body based on dissections.
• William Harvey discovered how blood circulates through the heart and body.
• During the Renaissance period (14th - 16th century), there was a renewal of interest in ancient Greek and Roman medicine.
• During the Renaissance period (14th - 16th centuries), there was a renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman ideas.
• During the Renaissance period, there was a renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman ideas about medicine.
• During the Renaissance period (14th - 16th century), there was a renewal of interest in classical Greek and Roman ideas.
• Renaissance scholars translated and studied classical texts on medicine, leading to advancements in surgery and anatomy.
• The discovery of the circulation of blood by William Harvey challenged Galen's theory that blood flowed through veins only.
• The Enlightenment period saw an emphasis on reason and scientific evidence over superstition and tradition.
• Renaissance doctors believed that diseases were caused by imbalance or excesses within the body.
• Andreas Vesalius published his book De humani corporis fabrica in 1543 which provided detailed illustrations of the human body based on dissections.
• Andreas Vesalius published his book "De humani corporis fabrica" in 1543, providing detailed illustrations of the human body based on dissections.
• Anton van Leeuwenhoek invented the microscope and observed bacteria under it.
• The medical Renaissance in England, c.1500-c.1700 was a period of new learning, ideas and approaches to medicine
• After the Reformation in the mid-16th century, the power of the Church declined and science began to play a more influential role in learning
• Popular beliefs about the causes of disease and illness


  • Imbalance of the four humours
  • Bad air, or miasma
• The theory of the four humours had been discredited by c.1700, but most people still believed in the idea
• New medical ideas and discoveries


  • Small seeds spread in the air were observed using newly invented microscopes
  • Factors outside the human body (eg temperature), rather than the four humours inside the body
  • 'Animalcules' - tiny animals that could only be seen using a microscope
• These new ideas had little impact, as the general public continued to believe that illness was caused by an imbalance of the four humours
• Printing press


  Invention in the 15th century that allowed books to be printed rather than written out by hand
• The invention of the printing press meant that the Church no longer had control over what was written in books, and physicians and scientists were able to publish ideas that challenged people like Galen
• The Royal Society


  Founded in 1660 in London to support scientists in carrying out experiments, debating new ideas and sharing new discoveries
• The Royal Society was supported by Charles II, which increased the popularity and credibility of the organisation
• In 1665, the Royal Society began to issue its scientific journal
• In the 21st century, The Royal Society continues to publish scientific journals and carries out its mission across the UK and globally