Medieval
Medieval medicine refers to the medical practices and beliefs that were prevalent during the Middle Ages, a period that spanned from the 5th to the 15th century. This era was characterized by a blend of medical knowledge from various cultures, including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Persians.
Overview[edit | edit source]
Medieval medicine was heavily influenced by religion, superstition, and the teachings of Galen, a Greek physician. The Church played a significant role in medical practices, as it was believed that diseases were a punishment from God and could be cured through prayer and penance.
Medical Practices[edit | edit source]
Humoral Theory[edit | edit source]
The Humoral theory, proposed by Galen, was the predominant medical theory during the medieval period. It postulated that the human body was made up of four humors - blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile. Illness was believed to be caused by an imbalance of these humors.
Herbal Remedies[edit | edit source]
Herbal remedies were commonly used in medieval medicine. Plants such as mint, garlic, and wormwood were used to treat various ailments.
Surgery[edit | edit source]
Surgery was a last resort in medieval medicine due to the high risk of infection. However, some surgical procedures, such as bloodletting and trepanation, were performed.
Medical Institutions[edit | edit source]
Monastic Infirmary[edit | edit source]
Monastic infirmaries were the primary healthcare institutions during the early Middle Ages. Monks provided care for the sick and injured, and also copied medical texts.
Medieval Hospitals[edit | edit source]
Medieval hospitals emerged in the 11th century and were often attached to monasteries or churches. They provided care for the poor, sick, and travelers.
Notable Medieval Physicians[edit | edit source]
Several physicians made significant contributions to medieval medicine, including Avicenna, Hildegard of Bingen, and Roger of Salerno.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD