Quiz 3 - Medieval Disability, Germs, & Disease

How was the view of disability in medieval history characterized?

It was complex and complicated, involving both religious and medical perspectives.

Were disabilities considered common in medieval times?

Yes, disabilities were very common and often “accepted,” though sometimes mocked.

What was a misconception people had about individuals with disabilities in medieval times?

That it was the individual’s fault for their disability, suggesting they must have done something to deserve being “cursed.”

What technological aids for physical disabilities have been proven to be present in the Middle Ages?

Prosthetics, artificial limbs. guide dogs, eye glasses, canes, crutches, and even the use of sign language.

What do these technological aids reveal about the lives of disabled individuals during this time?

That there were modifications that helped them continue their duties and roles in society, whatever their disability was.

What was a “caretaker” in the context of medieval legal terms?

A legal term for a person (often a family member) responsible for someone who cannot live independently - due to mental and physical disabilities.

Who was St. Dympha?

A patron of mental illness, known for healing and soothing those with mental disabilities. A cult was established in her name.

What was one legal consideration for individuals with mental impairments regarding criminal responsibility?

Individuals judged as not capable of evil intent - or unknowing of evil intent - were not punished criminally or held legally responsible.

How was cognitive impairment viewed in relation to criminal actions in medieval times?

This could mitigate guilt, considering whether the individual understood their actions were wrong (or had evil intent).

What types of facilities - if any - existed for individuals with disabilities during this period?

There were no specific institutions for individuals with disabilities; nunneries and monasteries sometimes served as temporary places for treatment.

What factors would influence and be attributed to labels of “madness” in these medieval legal cases?

Symptoms like abnormal behaviour, memory loss, or unpredictable actions could lead to a designation of “madness.”

How was temporary madness viewed?

Mental illness was often considered temporary, with things such as nightmares or “black-out rage” being believed moments of “temporary madness.”

What treatments for mental disabilities were documented in medieval texts?

Caretakers, dietary changes, fresh air, the use of rosemary, and trephination (drilling a hole in one’s skull).

How did some medieval physicians explain mental injuries?

They would look at if there was any history of madness, potential head injuries, or spiritual possessions as possible explanations.

What is the one factor that allowed Europeans to develop forces necessary to conquer vast portions of the world (according to Jared Diamond)?

Geography. Due to the Europeans very successful agriculture that allowed them to achieve successful food and animal domestication, they did not have to worry about starvation - allowing them to develop and create guns, steel, and more.

What were the two major reasons the Europeans who settled in the South African cape so successful?

1. Geographical luck - due to the Southern Cape being of a similar temperate and mirroring climate to that of Europe, the Europeans were able to bring their highly developed plants and animals to the Cape.

2. Proximity-Gained Immunity - due to the Europeans close proximity to domesticated farm animals, they were able to build up immunity and anti-bodies towards diseases commonly carried but said animals - unlike the African tribes they encountered.

How did disease allow the Europeans to conquer the native populations in the Americas and African Cape?

Through the spread of germs and disease that the native population was not previously exposed to. Whereas the Europeans, through close proximity with their farm animals had gained immunity. Upon arrival in these areas, the diseases spread from these animals would infect the native population - whose immune system was unable to handle and combat these illnesses. Leading to the decimation of their population and society.

How did the Europeans also suffer from the effects of the germs native to the African tropics?

The germs worked against the Europeans just like they had worked against the native populations of these areas - by their being unfamiliar.

The disease affecting and killing the Europeans and their livestock was unique to the tropical climate (aka the tropics). Their immune systems, unlike the Africans, were unprepared and unable to protect them from this sickness (smallpox & malaria).

How did the native Africans protect themselves from the germs that caused diseases such as Smallpox and Malaria?

They were protected not only through their gained immunity and anti-bodies, but also through their understanding and cultural development.

They would live in high and dryer climates, maintaining small communities - staying away from the breeding ground of mosquitos near bodies of water (unlike the Europeans).

What is the #1 health problem in Zambia, and who are the people primarily affected by this?

Malaria is the #1 disease in Zambia, and mostly affects children. With it being the #1 killer of children below 5.

How has disease contributed to the poverty in many African countries, such as Zambia?

Due to the detriment caused by diseases such as Malaria, which most notably affects young children - the population of these countries suffer. As their populations struggle to grow and maintain themselves, their productivity, time, and resources are lowered and focused on fighting these diseases.

According to statistics (from Guns, Germs, and Steel), how has Malaria effected the net growth in Africa over the last 50 years?

Malaria has caused a negative net growth of 1% per year in Africa over the past 50 years.

What is the De Humani Corporis Fabrica and who wrote it?

A set of seven books written by Andreas Vesalius in 1543. Contained drawings of anatomy, which each book focusing on something specific.

What did each of seven books of De Humani Corporis Fabrica detail?

1. Book 1, the skeleton.

2. Book 2, muscles.

3. Book 3, veins and arteries.

4. Book 4, nerves.

5. Book 5, abdominal organs & the dissection of genitals.

6. Book 6, thoracic organs.

7. Book 7, the brain.

When was dissection not only acceptable but deemed essential for medicine?

19th century.

What are magic bullets in terms of disease treatment?

The magic bullet is a drug or therapy that can target and destroy specific disease-causing agents without harming the body. 

When was the first magic bullet invented, and by who?

Invented by Paul Ehrlich in 1905 and again in 1910. He created two types of bullets.

1. Experimental trypanosomiasis (1905)

2. Human syphilis (1910)

What is the most famous magic bullet and how invented it?

Penicillin, invented by Alexander Fleming 1928.

How do magic bullets work and what do they aim to do?

They are intended to cure infections and replace deficiencies. Originally extracted from living tissue of animals, plants, mold, etc - they replace what is missing or damaged.

What is Smallpox?

A viral infection that enters through the nose or throat before travelling into the lungs and spreading to the lymphatic system.

This leads to large pustules to begin to form all over the skin within a few days (the most known symptom). These are highly infectious if punctured.