Treating disease (medieval) Flashcards
What happened when people believed they had too much blood? (4 humours theory)
Used blood sucking leeches. some were accidentally killed when too much blood was taken
how did they get rid of fluids? (purging)
Excretion - laxatives were given to help the process
what did physicians carry with them whilst visiting a patient?
Posies and oranges due to the belief in miasma
what was burnt during the black death?
juniper, myrrh and incense so the smoke or scent would stop the bad air from bringing disease inside.
what were remedies?
- they contained herbs, spices, animal parts and minerals
- they were bought from an apothecary or a local wise woman
what were some remedies based on?
superstition - like lucky charms containing ‘powdered unicorn’s horn’
what were physicians?
- male doctors who had trained at university for at least 7 years
what did they do to learn?
- read ancient texts and writings from the Islamic world
- their training involved little practical experience
who did most people see for diseases?
- an apothecary who sold remedies
- they were the most accessible for those who could not afford a physician
what was the main purpose of hospitals?
- to care for the sick and elderly
- provided patients with food , water and a warm place to stay
how many patients did hospitals treat?
12, reflecting Jesus’ 12 disciples
although there was some large hospitals like st Leonards in York
who were the big hospitals run by?
usually monks or nuns
as part of their Christian activities because Jesus said his followers should care for the sick
who was appointed at st Bartholomews hospital?
- no doctors just priests
- believed patients needed spiritual help more than medical
what did beds point towards?
religious icons/instruments to help heal them
what were pest houses?
isolated sufferers of the plague
