Black Plague Flashcards
(14 cards)
Who were the ancient physicians whose ideas influenced medieval medical teachings?
Hippocrates and Galen
Hippocrates lived in the 5th century BC, and Galen lived in the 2nd century AD
What role did Islamic scholars play in the preservation of ancient medical knowledge?
They translated and made sense of the work of ancient physicians
Notably, Ibn Sina (Avicenna) contributed to this preservation
Why were medieval physicians discouraged from challenging ancient medical ideas?
Because these ideas fitted with the teachings of the Bible
What was Galen’s theory regarding the treatment of humours?
The theory of opposites
For example, treating excess blood with cucumber, which is cold and wet
What were the four humours according to Hippocrates?
- Blood
- Phlegm
- Black bile
- Yellow bile
What was believed to be necessary for good health regarding the four humours?
The four humours had to remain in balance
What theory explained the cause of illness in the Middle Ages besides the four humours?
Miasma theory
What is miasma theory?
The belief that illness and disease were caused by poisoned air
What did some people believe about the source of poisoned air?
It was poisoned by God, as they thought God caused all illness
How did Hippocrates come to believe in the four humours?
Through careful observation of patients
What key characteristic was associated with a high temperature according to Hippocrates?
Sweating, indicating ‘hot’ and ‘wet’
What institution controlled universities and medical teaching during the medieval period?
The Catholic Church
Where were all books for medical learning produced in the medieval period?
In monasteries
True or False: Galen’s ideas were widely accepted in medieval medicine because they contradicted the Bible.
False
