Edexcel GCSE History: Medicine in Medieval Britain,c1250–c1500

Edexcel GCSE History: Medicine in Medieval Britain, c1250–c1500

This tutorial will explore the fascinating world of medieval medicine in Britain, focusing on the period between 1250 and 1500. We'll delve into the key features of medical knowledge, practices, and the impact of major events like the Black Death.

1. Understanding Medieval Medical Beliefs

• The Four Humors: This theory, based on ancient Greek ideas, formed the bedrock of medieval medical understanding. It proposed that the body was composed of four humors – blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile – and that illness arose from an imbalance in these humors.
• Religious Influence: The Church held significant power in medieval society, and its beliefs deeply influenced medicine. Illness was often seen as a punishment for sin, and prayer, religious rituals, and relics were considered essential components of treatment.

2. Medical Practices and Treatments

• Humoral Treatments: Doctors aimed to restore balance to the humors through various methods, including:
  • Bloodletting: Removing blood to reduce excess heat or inflammation.
  • Purging: Using laxatives or emetics to eliminate harmful substances from the body.
  • Diet and Regimen: Prescribing specific diets and lifestyle changes to restore balance.
• Herbal Remedies: Plant-based remedies were widely used, drawing on knowledge passed down through generations.
• Surgery: Limited in scope, surgery was usually performed by barbers or other non-medical practitioners.

3. The Role of Hospitals and the Church

• Religious Orders: The Church played a crucial role in establishing hospitals, offering care to the sick and poor. Orders like the Benedictines and the Hospitallers provided medical services and spiritual support.
• Hospital Function: Medieval hospitals were primarily places of refuge and care, not complex medical facilities. They offered basic treatments, shelter, and spiritual guidance.

4. The Black Death and its Impact

• The Plague: The Black Death, a bubonic plague pandemic that ravaged Europe in the mid-14th century, had a devastating impact on medieval Britain.
• Medical Response: Medieval doctors lacked understanding of the disease's causes and struggled to find effective treatments. They resorted to traditional methods, many of which proved ineffective or even harmful.
• Social and Economic Consequences: The Black Death had significant social and economic repercussions, leading to widespread death, labor shortages, and societal upheaval.

5. Continuity and Change in Medieval Medicine

• Continuity: Despite the Black Death, many core beliefs and practices of medieval medicine remained unchanged, including the humoral theory and reliance on herbal remedies.
• Change: The Black Death did prompt some shifts in medical thought, leading to a greater emphasis on hygiene and quarantine measures.

Exam Information

• Paper 1: This paper will assess your understanding of the continuity and change in medieval medicine.
• Evaluation: You will need to evaluate the effectiveness of humoral treatments, considering their strengths and limitations.

Key Concepts to Remember

• Four Humors: The basis of medieval medical theory.
• Religious Influence: The Church’s role in medical practices and hospital establishment.
• Black Death: Its impact on medieval Britain and the medical response.
• Continuity and Change: The enduring aspects of medieval medicine and the shifts it underwent.

Further Resources

• Online Resources: Search for reputable websites with information on medieval medicine.
• Books: Explore books on the history of medicine and the Black Death.

By studying the medicine of medieval Britain, you gain insights into a past world and the evolution of medical knowledge, highlighting the challenges and successes of medical practices in a time without modern technology.