Renaissance Medicine Flashcards
How long was the Renaissance period?
From the 16th to the 18th century
What was “Renaissance” french for?
Rebirth
How did old ideas being abolished influence the Renaissance period?
- The Feudal System had been abolished in Italy which meant society was more equal and more people were able to get an education. This led to an increase in science and art.
- The Church allowed people to dissect the bodies of criminals for the first time, which meant people could start to understand the human body more.
When did the printing press come to Britain?
During the 1470s
Who was Andreas Vesalius?
A medical professor in Italy
What was Vesalius’ major medical breakthrough?
His work on human anatomy
How did Vesalius widen the understanding of anatomy?
- He performed dissections while being observed by
students
~ Stole bodies from the gallows to dissect
What were some of the books written by Vesalius, and when were they written?
- The Fabric of the Human Body (1543)
- Six Anatomical Pictures (1538)
When was “The Fabric of the Human Body” written, and who was it written by?
1543, by Andreas Vesalius
When was “Six Anatomical Pictures” written, and who was it written by?
1538, by Andreas Vesalius
Who was Thomas Sydenham?
A Renaissance physician based in London
What were some of Thomas Sydenham’s beliefs?
- Stressed that doctors took a full history of their
patient’s health and symptoms - Believed that all diseases were different and should
be treated accordingly - Believed in allowing the body to fight off illness on
its own - [Anti bleeding and purging]
What nickname was Thomas Sydenham given as a result of his attitude towards treating patients?
The English Hippocrates
What illness did Thomas Sydenham help make the first detailed descriptions of?
Scarlet Fever
What were some of Vesalius’ discoveries?
- The human jaw bone was made of one bone
[Galen believed it was 2] - The breastbone was made of 3 parts not 7
- There were no holes in the septum of the heart
[Contrary to Galen’s beliefs]
Who was William Harvey?
A doctor who worked as a personal doctor to James I and Charles I
What two kings did William Harvey work as a personal doctor for?
James I and Charles I
What were Harvey’s discoveries based off of?
Human physiology
How did Harvey make his discoveries?
He studied animals and humans, observing living animals’ hearts in action
What physiological theories did Harvey disprove?
- Purple “nutrition-carrying” blood was produced in
the liver and flowed through the veins to the rest of
the body, where it was used up - Bright red “life giving” blood was produced in the
lungs and flowed through arteries to the body,
where it was also consumed[Mostly developed by Galen]
What discoveries did William Harvey make?
- Blood circulated around the body rather than being
created
What book did Harvey publish about his discoveries, and when was it published?
“An anatomical account of the motion of the heart and blood” (1628)
What were some signs of stagnated medical progress at the end of the Renaissance period?
- Not many people believed Harvey’s theories
- When people attempted blood transfusions, they
were rarely successful due to blood loss, shock and
wrong blood types mixing - Bleeding and purging continued to be used, despite
being proven wrong by Harvey - Hospitals were fairly basic and were only for the
‘deserving poor’ - Many people went to Wise Women as doctors were
expensive - People turned to quack doctors
- Superstition and religion were still important, people
though the king’s touch could cure Scrofula