Question 1

Why did medicine stand still in the Middle Ages?

Accepted Answer

Medicine stood still mainly because the Church controlled education and promoted the idea that disease was God's punishment. The Church banned human dissection, so doctors relied on Galen's ancient theories, which were often wrong. There was also little incentive for new discoveries because the Church's authority was rarely questioned. However, Islamic scholars did make progress, and some practical developments like hospitals occurred.

Question 2

What role did the Church play in medieval medicine?

Accepted Answer

The Church had a huge influence. It ran hospitals (often in monasteries) and encouraged prayer, pilgrimage, and touching relics as cures. However, it also banned dissection of human bodies, meaning doctors couldn't learn anatomy properly. The Church supported Galen's ideas because they fitted with Christian beliefs (e.g., the soul being in the heart). This slowed progress for centuries.

Question 3

How did Islamic medicine differ from European medicine in the Middle Ages?

Accepted Answer

Islamic medicine was more advanced because it was based on observation and experimentation. Scholars like Al-Razi (Rhazes) wrote accurate descriptions of diseases like smallpox and measles. Ibn Sina (Avicenna) wrote 'The Canon of Medicine,' which was used in Europe for centuries. Islamic hospitals had separate wards for different illnesses and trained doctors. In contrast, European medicine was stuck on Galen's theories and Church control.

Question 4

Did the Black Death change medicine?

Accepted Answer

The Black Death (1348-49) did not immediately improve medical knowledge, but it had long-term effects. It killed so many people that it weakened the Church's authority, as prayers didn't stop the plague. Some towns introduced quarantine and hygiene measures (e.g., in Venice). The shortage of labour after the plague also led to higher wages and more questioning of traditional authority, which eventually helped the Renaissance.

Question 5

What was Galen's theory of the four humours?

Accepted Answer

Galen's theory said the body had four humours: blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile. Health came from balancing them, and illness was caused by an imbalance. Treatments included bloodletting, purging, and special diets. The Church supported this theory because it fitted with Christian ideas of balance and order. However, Galen had made mistakes because he dissected animals, not humans, but his ideas were accepted for over 1,000 years.

Question 6

How did medieval people try to prevent disease?

Accepted Answer

Medieval people used a mix of religious and practical methods. They prayed, went on pilgrimages, and touched relics. They also used herbs, charms, and bloodletting. Some towns passed laws to clean streets and remove rubbish, especially after the Black Death. Quarantine was used in ports like Venice. However, most people believed disease was caused by bad air (miasma) or God's punishment, so they didn't understand germs.

Medicine stands still

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