Booklet 2. Flashcards
What is the Renaissance?
A period in history that flourished in the late 1400s, bridging the Middle Ages and the Early Modern time, beginning in Italy.
The term ‘Renaissance’ means ‘rebirth’ in Italian, highlighting the renewed interest in ancient knowledge.
What were the characteristics of the Renaissance in Italy?
- Independent city-states like Florence
- Interest in ancient Greek and Roman texts
- Emphasis on original versions of texts
- Development of a scientific method of inquiry
- Belief in education improving life
Wealthy businessmen and traders funded scholars and artists to explore ancient knowledge.
How did the printing press impact the Renaissance?
It allowed new ideas and both old and new books to spread quickly around Europe.
This facilitated the dissemination of knowledge and ideas during the Renaissance.
Who was Andreas Vesalius?
A professor of anatomy at Padua who published ‘The Fabric of the Human Body’ in 1543, correcting many of Galen’s mistakes.
He conducted his own dissections and emphasized observation in anatomy.
What was the significance of Vesalius’ work?
It laid the foundation for better treatments and proper dissections in future medical studies.
His work did not lead to immediate cures but inspired future anatomists.
What did Ambroise Paré contribute to medical progress?
He introduced a scientific method to surgery, developed new treatments for wounds, and translated Vesalius’ works into French.
Paré’s methods included using ligatures instead of cauterization.
What was William Harvey’s major discovery?
He discovered the circulation of blood in the body.
His work challenged Galen’s theories and was published in ‘On the Motion of the Heart’ in 1628.
How was Harvey’s work received by his contemporaries?
It was largely rejected by supporters of Galen, who argued he could not prove the existence of capillaries.
Harvey faced significant resistance and lost patients due to his unorthodox views.
What treatments were available to ordinary people in the 17th and 18th centuries?
- Barber-surgeons
- Apothecaries
- Wise women
- Quacks
Treatments varied widely based on affordability and access to medical knowledge.
What misconceptions existed about the causes of the plague?
Many believed it was a punishment from God, caused by the movement of planets, or ‘poisonous’ air.
The actual cause was fleas living on rats.
What measures were taken to control the spread of the plague?
- Quarantine of plague victims
- Painting red crosses on doors
- Banning large gatherings
- Closing trade with infected towns
Authorities attempted to manage the outbreak with these measures.
What role did the Great Fire of London play in the plague?
It did not end the plague, as it primarily affected areas outside the city walls where most deaths occurred.
The decline in plague cases was due to increased resistance in rats.
How did hospitals evolve in the 18th century?
They were founded by charitable gifts and supported by private subscriptions, focusing on patient care and medical training.
New hospitals often included attached medical schools for training future doctors.
Fill in the blank: The bark of the Cinchona tree contained __________, which helped treat malaria.
quinine
True or False: Bloodletting was a common treatment believed to prevent illness.
True
What were some herbal remedies mentioned?
- Honey
- Willow tree (aspirin)
- Nicholas Culpepper’s herbal remedies
Culpepper’s work included astrology and was critical of bloodletting.
Who investigated the circulation of the blood in the 17th century?
William Harvey
What marked the beginning of modern hospitals in the early 18th century?
Hospitals were founded and supported by charitable gifts of private people
How were many hospitals in the 18th century funded?
By private subscription
What was a significant feature of the new hospitals in the 18th century?
Medical schools were often attached to hospitals
What was the primary source of income for doctors in hospitals during this period?
Fees paid by private patients
What approach was still primarily used for treatment in hospitals towards the end of the 18th century?
The four humours approach
What was established in hospitals towards the end of the 18th century to help the poor?
Dispensaries providing free medicines
When was St Luke’s Hospital in London created and for what purpose?
In 1751 for the mentally ill
What type of disease did London’s Lock Hospital, opened in 1746, specialize in?
Venereal disease
What was the purpose of the British hospital for Mothers and Babies set up in 1749?
To provide maternity care
Who established the Foundling Hospital in 1741?
Thomas Coram
What significant increase in hospitals occurred between 1720 and 1750 in London?
Five new general hospitals were added
Who was renowned for his speed and dexterity in surgery in the 1720s?
William Cheselden
What was the state of anaesthetics during the 18th century?
No reliable anaesthetics; wine and opium were used with unpredictable results
What percentage of practicing ‘doctors’ had a medical degree from an English university as late as 1856?
4%
What was required to practice as a surgeon within 7 miles of the City of London?
Examination by the Royal College of Surgeons
Who was John Hunter and what was he known for?
A famous surgeon and anatomist known for promoting careful observation and scientific methods in surgeries
What was one of the biggest killer diseases in the 18th century?
Smallpox
What was a common method of inoculation used to prevent smallpox in medieval China?
Scratching pus or scabs from a smallpox victim onto healthy people’s skin
Who popularized smallpox inoculation in Britain in 1721?
Lady Mary Wortley Montagu
What were some objections to inoculation?
- Strong religious objections
- Risks of dying from inoculation
- Inoculated individuals could still spread smallpox
What was Edward Jenner’s significant contribution to medicine?
Developed the vaccination technique against smallpox
What was the basis of Jenner’s vaccination method?
Using cowpox to provide immunity against smallpox
What was one major challenge Jenner faced when publishing his vaccination findings?
He could not explain how vaccination worked
What financial support did Jenner receive for his research in 1802?
£10,000 from parliament
