By: Olivia Mayo
Introduction
The middle ages were a difficult period for many people. The middle ages were a difficult period for many people because very few people could read or write. Their lack of knowledge often led to superstitious beliefs. During this difficult time medicine was one of the leading concerns. The understanding of medicine was very low due to basic knowledge from doctors, there were also no antibiotics. Therefore, they attempted to make their own medicine which was made out of herbs, spices, and raisins. They would apply these mixes into drinks, pills, baths, scrubs, liquid washes, such as shampoo and body wash, as well as some creams and oils. The “so called” medicine that they created was used to treat some illnesses although, not all of them could be cured.
Doctors and Physicians knowledge
Doctors and physicians knew very little about the concept of medicine as well as the human body. Although, they did have some knowledge on the method they were using, known as “The Urine Test,” which was used to determine if a patient was ill. Different colors of urine would indicate certain illnesses. They would check color, smell, and even taste to help determine if the patient is ill. Doctors believed in ‘The Theory of the Four Humors’, which stated that illnesses were caused when the four liquids in the body, which includes blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile were excessive. Therefore, doctors treating those who were sick tried to make them feel better by reducing the quantity of the humor that they believed in.
Establishment of the University
By the 14th century the most recognized university was built and developed. It was known as the University of Montpellier. There, people studied and had an opportunity to dissect a human body to become better familiar with it. By doing this, it allowed physicians and surgeons to better know how to interact with the body. It was said to be one of the first universities to develop the culture of medicine. The development of this university contributed to the advancement of medical knowledge.
Gender Roles
During the middle ages women tended to do most of the care taking. They treated the vast majority of illnesses and were expected to have a wide range of remedies at their fingertips. Women couldn’t become physicians due to the church not allowing them to attend universities. Women from wealthy families didn't differentiate from other women very much because they received very little education. However, it did not stop women from practicing medicine. Women were able to qualify as surgeons by working as apprentices. The knowledge of surgeons wasn’t very towering either. For example, surgeons didn't understand that people had different blood groups as well as how to undertake a blood transfusion. Because of this, many people did not live past the age of forty - five.
Remedies and Treatment
Herbs were very commonly used in the middle ages to relieve pain. For example, smelling herbs such as roses, lavender, and sage were used to treat headaches and aching joints. Liquorice was recommended to treat respiratory problems. When people got injured vinegar was used to disinfect the wounds. Lastly, mint was to treat venomous snake or spider bites. One especially popular medical treatment used was bloodletting, which is the withdrawal of blood from a patient to prevent or cure illness and disease. It was used because many diseases were thought to be caused by an excess of blood in the body and blood letting was seen as the obvious cure.
Epidemics
During this time period there were many illnesses going around that people were not familiar with. However, there were some that were known. One known illness was characterized as the plague. It was one of the most devastating pandemics in human history, killing an estimated two hundred million people within four years. The plague was an infectious disease spread through flea bites or of handling an infected animal. Doctors attempted to treat it by applying warm butter along with onion and garlic. They even tried applying a dried toad to the infected area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, There was very little of medicine throughout the middle ages. Although, as they experimented the knowledge gradually increased. The creation of the University of Montpellier really pushed medical knowledge forward. The people that attended the university began to catch on to what helped different illnesses and what had no healing properties. What doctors and physicians didn’t realize was the severity of these illnesses. Therefore, there were many deaths that occurred repeatedly and they were not sure why.
Bibliography
Makas, Selma. “Medicine in Medieval Europe and China.” Prezi.com, 25 June 2013, https://prezi.com/0uiluj3sxln-/medicine-in-medieval-europe-and-china/.
“Medicine in the Middle Ages.” History Learning Site, 17 Mar. 2015, https://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/a-history-of-medicine/medicine-in-the-middle-ages/.
Gates, Phil. “Medicine.” Amazon, Gareth Stevens Pub., 2001, https://www.amazon.com/Medicine-Middle-Ages-HISTORY-MEDICINE/dp/1592700373.
Picture Citation
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Very eye-catching cover picture, I had to click. It started off a little repetitive but your topic was very interesting and you presented the information well.
I do not think gender roles were an epidemic.
Very detailed information and pictures.
Great job with explaining your topic ,although your repeated your first sentence , overall your article was very informative and went into great detail.
This article is well written and very descriptive. This was a very interesting and important topic to have chosen. Great job!