Medical Renaissance: Change in Ideas (1 janv. 1500 – 1 janv. 1750)

Description:

Doctors and scientists changed their mindset and began to view the world more scientifically, challenging the ideas of Hippocrates and Galen.
Many physicians, such as Vesalius, Pare, Harvey and Sydenham showed the inaccuracies in Galen's work and encouraged people to value practical experience over theoretical knowledge. While training, doctors studied the work of Vesalius on anatomy and Harvey on physiology.
Due to the Protestant Reformation in 1517, the Church had less control over medicine, and the scientific method was freed from the Church's limitations, allowing science to emerge from medieval mysticism. Dissections of human bodies became available, which led to substantial improvements in knowledge of anatomy. New ideas such as humanism inspired learning and freedom of knowledge, encouraging people to experiment medicine.
The Royal Society and the invention of the printing press allowed for texts of scientific discoveries to be widely spread and available, improving medical knowledge. The discovery of America in 1492 also meant that remedies from abroad were brought to England and used to treat illness.

Although medical knowledge greatly improved, medical treatment did not change that much since medieval times. Many doctors were reluctant to accept that Galen was wrong, meaning they continued to use his ideas and treatments. Physicians were still very expensive, meaning most people still used apothecaries, barber-surgeons and quack doctors for medicines and treatments. Superstition and religion were still important, and wise women continued to provide medical attention within the community. Hospital care mainly focused on moral and spiritual education, though health and sickness became more of a priority.

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