MEDIEVAL MEDICINE Flashcards
(101 cards)
What was the primary source of medical knowledge for medieval doctors?
Medieval doctors largely relied on ancient texts, especially those of Galen and Hippocrates, and the teachings of the Church. They also used some local folk remedies and herbal knowledge.
Who was Galen and how did his work influence medieval medicine?
Galen was a Greek physician whose theories became the basis for much of medieval medicine. His ideas on anatomy, humors, and treatments dominated medical practice, even though many were later proven to be incorrect.
How did the Church influence medical knowledge in the Middle Ages?
The Church played a significant role in controlling and preserving knowledge, often limiting medical practice to those who could read religious texts. It also promoted the idea that illness was a punishment from God, which influenced treatments like prayer and penance.
What were the four humors?
The four humors were blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. Medieval doctors believed that balancing these humors was key to maintaining health. Illness was thought to result from an imbalance of these humors.
How did medieval doctors diagnose illness?
Diagnosis was often based on the symptoms and the theory of the four humors. Doctors also relied on astrology, examining urine, and sometimes looking at the patient’s bodily fluids for clues.
What treatments did medieval doctors use?
Treatments included herbal remedies, bloodletting, and purging to restore balance to the humors. Surgery was rarely performed, as it was dangerous, and often prayer, religious rituals, and pilgrimages were part of the treatment.
Why did medieval doctors not understand germs or bacteria?
The concept of germs or bacteria did not exist in medieval times. Without modern science and technology, doctors could not understand the true causes of disease, which led to incorrect treatments and poor outcomes.
How did barber-surgeons differ from university-trained doctors?
Barber-surgeons performed basic surgeries, bloodletting, and dental work, while university-trained doctors focused on diagnosing and treating illnesses, relying more on theory and less on hands-on procedures.
How did Christianity view illness in the Middle Ages?
Christianity often viewed illness as a punishment for sin or a test of faith. Many believed that disease was caused by divine will or the devil, and healing could be achieved through prayer, penance, or religious rituals.
How did Christian monasteries contribute to medieval medicine?
Christian monasteries played a key role in preserving medical knowledge. Monks copied medical texts, provided care for the sick, and used herbal remedies. Monasteries were often the places where medical treatment was provided to the poor.
What role did religious prayers and pilgrimages play in medieval medicine?
Prayers, religious rituals, and pilgrimages to holy sites were often considered essential treatments for illness. People believed that saints had healing powers, and praying for divine intervention could cure diseases.
How did the Church influence the training of medieval doctors?
The Church controlled education, and many medieval doctors were trained at Church-run universities. The study of medicine was often based on the teachings of ancient scholars like Galen, and religious teachings were integrated with medical knowledge.
How did Christianity affect the practice of surgery in medieval medicine?
The Church generally disapproved of surgery, as it was seen as interfering with God’s creation. Surgery was often left to barber-surgeons rather than trained physicians, and it was considered a less noble form of treatment.
Why were hospitals often run by the Church in medieval times?
The Church ran many hospitals as part of its charitable work. These hospitals focused on caring for the poor, sick, and needy, offering both medical treatment and spiritual care.
How did the Christian belief in the soul affect the treatment of the body?
Christianity taught that the soul was more important than the body, leading to a focus on spiritual healing. This often meant that physical illness was seen as a reflection of spiritual problems, and care for the soul (e.g., confession and absolution) was considered as important as medical treatment.
What were the main sources of medical knowledge for medieval doctors?
Medieval doctors primarily relied on ancient Greek and Roman texts, especially those of Galen and Hippocrates, as well as religious teachings and local folk remedies.
What did medieval doctors believe caused illness?
They believed that illness was caused by imbalances in the four humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile) or by divine punishment for sin.
What role did the Church play in medieval medicine?
The Church controlled medical knowledge, promoted prayer as a treatment, and influenced doctors to focus on spiritual healing alongside physical treatment.
What was the four humors theory, and who developed it?
The four humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile) were believed to determine health. An imbalance in any of the humors would cause disease. This theory originated from Hippocrates and was expanded by Galen.
How did medieval doctors diagnose illness?
Diagnosis was based on observing symptoms, examining urine, and using astrological charts. Doctors often made use of astrology, believing the position of the stars influenced health.
What treatments were commonly used by medieval doctors?
Treatments included bloodletting, purging, herbal remedies, and sometimes prayers. The goal was to restore balance to the humors.
Who was Galen, and how did his ideas influence medieval medicine?
Galen was a Roman physician whose ideas dominated medieval medicine. His theory of the humors, along with his writings on anatomy and treatments, became central to medical practice for centuries.
