Question 1

Why did the Four Humours theory last for so long?

Accepted Answer

The Four Humours theory lasted for over 1,400 years primarily because it was supported by the Christian Church, which controlled education and book production. Since the theory suggested the body was a balanced creation of God, questioning it was often seen as heresy. Furthermore, without the invention of the microscope, there was no visible evidence to prove the existence of germs, making the 'balance of fluids' seem like a logical explanation for illness.

Question 2

What was the most important factor in the development of surgery?

Accepted Answer

While individuals like James Simpson (chloroform) and Joseph Lister (antiseptics) were vital, 'War' is often cited as the most important factor. Wars provided a massive number of patients with similar wounds, allowing surgeons to experiment and refine techniques quickly. For example, WWI led to breakthroughs in blood transfusions and plastic surgery (Harold Gillies), while WWII accelerated the mass production of Penicillin to treat infected wounds.

Question 3

How did the 1848 Public Health Act change Britain?

Accepted Answer

The 1848 Act was a landmark because it was the first time the British government accepted some responsibility for the health of the public, moving away from a 'laissez-faire' (leave alone) attitude. It allowed towns to set up Local Boards of Health and appoint Medical Officers. Although it was not compulsory and many towns ignored it, it paved the way for the much more effective 1875 Public Health Act, which forced local authorities to provide clean water and sewage disposal.

Question 4

What is the difference between the Black Death and the Great Plague?

Accepted Answer

The Black Death (1348) occurred in the medieval period when people believed disease was caused by God's punishment or 'miasma' (bad air), leading to ineffective cures like flagellation. The Great Plague (1665) occurred during the Renaissance; while people still didn't understand germs, their response was more organised. The government took a larger role by shutting up infected houses, banning public gatherings, and appointing 'searchers' to identify the dead, showing a shift toward more scientific, state-led observation.

Question 5

Why was the discovery of Germ Theory in 1861 so important?

Accepted Answer

Louis Pasteur's Germ Theory was the 'turning point' in medical history because it finally proved that invisible microorganisms caused decay and disease, rather than disease creating germs (Spontaneous Generation). This discovery provided the scientific foundation for everything that followed: Joseph Lister's use of antiseptics in surgery, Robert Koch's identification of specific bacteria like TB, and the eventual development of vaccines and antibiotics.

Changes in Health and Medicine in Britain, c.500 to the present day

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