Medieval England Flashcards
What are the supernatural causes of disease in Medieval England?
A Punishment from God: Many people thought that disease was a punishment from God for their sins.
Astrology: The idea that the movement of planets and stars had an effect on Earth and people. Astrologers believed that these movements could cause disease.
What are the rational explanations for Disease in Medieval England?
1) Theory of The Four Humours: Invented by Hippocrates - the body contains blood, phlegm yellow bile and black bile. They must be in balance for good health.
2) The Miasma Theory: The idea that bad air (miasma) causes disease when someone inhales it.
What is bloodletting?
A doctor may use leeches or small cuts to take some blood out of the patients body.
What is purging?
The act of removing fluids from the body by excretion or vomiting.
What are herbal remedies?
1) Contained herbs, spices, minerals and animal parts.
2) Used to treat diseases in Medieval England.
What is the role of a physician?
1) Male doctors that trained at University for at least 7 years.
2) Training involved minimal practical experience.
3) Used handbooks and clinical observation to diagnose patients.
What is an apothecary?
1) Prepared and sold remedies.
2) Most common treatment in Medieval England because it was the most accessible.
Describe a Medieval barber surgeon
1) They were not trained doctors so had little medical training.
2) Surgery was rarely attempted and only used for minor procedures, eg. pulling teeth or treating cataracts.
3) Not a respected profession.
Describe a Medieval hospital
1) There were very few hospitals in Medieval England, so most people were treated at home.
2) They were set up and run by monasteries.
3) Their main purpose was to provide care for the sick and elderly.
4) Care included meals, warm shelter and water.
What was the Black Death?
1) It was a series of plagues that swept across Europe and arrived in England in 1348.
2) Bubonic plague was spread by rats on ships. Symptoms were headaches, high temperature and pus filled swellings on the skin.
3) Pneumonic plague was airborne and spread by coughs and sneezes. It made it painful to breathe and made victims cough up blood.
How did people react to the Black Death?
1) Nobody knew what caused it.
2) Some people believed that it was a judgement from God, so they prayed and fasted to repent their sins.
3) Some thought it was caused by Miasma so carried strong smelling herbs to purify the air.
