MTT : Renaissance

When was the printing press invented and why was this important?

1140

It meant new ideas could be quickly copped many times faster, without the need for the interference of the Church

What did Vesalius do?

He studied human bodies closely using dissections to explore how the body worked and understand the roles of different organs.

What book did he publish and when?

Le Fabrica (The fabric of the human body)

1543

What was the book?

An extremely accurate and detailed guide for doctors on how the human body worked, it contained detailed diagrams and accurate drawings of the body.

What discoveries did Vesalius make?

He proved Galen’s mistakes such as the human jaw bone being one bone not to, blood did not pass from one side of the heart to another and women did not have fewer ribs than men.

Why was Vesalius significant?

He had proved that Galen had made mistakes which challenged doctors to question theories.

It allowed medical advances due to closer understanding on the human anatomy.

Why did the Church allow the ideas of Vesalius?

He dissected criminals.

If different from Bible it would be blamed on the imperfection of sinners (criminals).

Who was Thomas Sydenham?

A doctor who observed patients and made discoveries regarding how disease should be treated.

What did Sydenham discover?

That illness was caused by something external and doctors should closely observe and record the symptoms of those that are ill to find a more accurate cure.

What were religious beliefs surrounding disease at this time?

Most people now recognised that God did not send disease, however many still turned to religious explanations when faced with disease.

What were the beliefs regarding astrology and disease?

Astrology was becoming less popular but many still believed it INFLUENCED rather than caused disease.

What were the beliefs regarding miasma and disease?

Most still believed that bad air caused disease and would try and prevent it in many ways.

What were the beliefs regarding the four humours and disease?

Many doctors began to challenge theories of Hippocrates and Galen but most ordinary people still believed them.

When was the Royal Society set up and what is it?

1660

An influential group of scientists that allowed its members to share experiments and promote scientific ideas - accessible to everyone.

Why was the Royal Society popular?

It was supported by King Charles 2nd in 1662 which gave it credibility.

What was the belief of transference?

A popular new theory that disease could be transferred to something else e.g. rubbing warts on an onion to transfer the warts to an onion.

How were herbal remedies viewed?

Still very popular but now chosen because of their colour and shape. New barks, tobacco and herbs were discovered due to explorations.

What was alchemy?

An early form of chemistry that looked into chemical cures for disease such as mercury.

How did hospitals change?

Put a greater emphasis on curing patients rather than just care and many began to employ doctors.

Many hospitals, however, closed as monasteries were shut down.

Pest house hospitals were set up for plague victims

How did apothecaries, physicians and surgeons change?

Physicians = continued to learn from books but began to get taught alternative theories, little hands on experience.

Surgeons = had to have a licence to practice medicine and dissections were now allowed.

Apothecaries = had to have a licence to trade but role remained the same.

What treatments were still possible?

Treatments like bloodletting and purging.

What did William Harvey do?

He focused on studying blood. He said the heart acted as a pump, pumping blood around the body in a one-way system. It disproved Galens theory.

What were the 3 ways medicine was prevented?

1. Lifestyle advice = the regimen sanitais was still used and healthy lifestyles were encouraged

2. Purifying air = miasma was still believed so the need to purify the air continued

3. Government role = more active role taken e.g. closing down of public restrooms

When did the Great Plague break out again?

1665

What were the main believes for the cause of the plague?

1. Miasma

2. Astrology

3. God

How was it treated?

• Transference

• Herbal remedies

How was it prevented?

• purifying air

• Religious and supernatural

• Diet advice

• Plague doctors

• Alternative treatments

What government orders were taken to prevent the plague?

• Strict and enforced quarantine laws

• Large crowds banned

• Stray animals killed

• Searchers appointed

• Streets kept clean