Rational explanations for disease in the Middle Ages

?
The Four Hummors
The Ancient Greeks came up with the theory that disease was cause by an imbalance of the bodies four humors, Blood, Phlegm, Yellow Bile and Black Bile. This theory was continued well into the middle ages.
1 of 7
The Theory Of Opposites
In the 2nd Century (AD) Galen devloped the ideas of the Four Humors. As well as using bleeding and purging to rid exess humors Galen came up with opposites. Eg. if a paitent were to have to much phlegm (water and cold) they'd eat hot peppers.
2 of 7
Miasma
Another theory of what caused disease was the speading of 'bad air'. This was related as a bad smell is related to sin. This is an Ancient theory however did continue into the Middle Ages and into the 19th Century.
3 of 7
Why did Ancient theorys dominate ideas about medicine in the Middle ages?
People belived Hippocrates and Galen were correct and so did not challenge them-So many books written by Galen and Hippocrates survied and so dominated other ideas-There were few other rational explanations-Experiments were discouraged by the church.
4 of 7
Traditional remedies
The most common remedies were traditional ones made with herbs, which were drunk, sniffed or bathed in. Remedies also included different foods and ointments for the skin. These were offten made at home.
5 of 7
Supernatural treatments
Supernatural treatments included hang a magpie's beak around your neck to cure toothache.
6 of 7
Religious treatments
These include, praying, fasting, going on a pilgramage and paying for a special Mass to be said.
7 of 7

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

In the 2nd Century (AD) Galen devloped the ideas of the Four Humors. As well as using bleeding and purging to rid exess humors Galen came up with opposites. Eg. if a paitent were to have to much phlegm (water and cold) they'd eat hot peppers.

Back

The Theory Of Opposites

Card 3

Front

Another theory of what caused disease was the speading of 'bad air'. This was related as a bad smell is related to sin. This is an Ancient theory however did continue into the Middle Ages and into the 19th Century.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

People belived Hippocrates and Galen were correct and so did not challenge them-So many books written by Galen and Hippocrates survied and so dominated other ideas-There were few other rational explanations-Experiments were discouraged by the church.

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

The most common remedies were traditional ones made with herbs, which were drunk, sniffed or bathed in. Remedies also included different foods and ointments for the skin. These were offten made at home.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
View more cards

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar History resources:

See all History resources »See all Medicine in Britain resources »