The History of Medicine: Medicine in the Middle Ages
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Written by Ian Dawson
64 pages |
About the Book
Presents medical ideas and the treatment of illness during a period of war, upheaval and religious authority.
Why did Medieval doctors bleed their patients? Were Medieval towns really so unhealthy? Was Medieval surgery ever successful? What was an “herbal” and how was it used? Taking up these and many other questions, Medicine in the Middle Ages explores medical ideas, health and illness after the fall of Rome. The focus here is one Western Europe, but comparisons and contrasts are made throughout the book with other contemporary civilizations, including the Arab world, which was quite advanced scientifically speaking. The legacy of the Ancient world also is discussed and the major developments of the Middle Ages are summarized. We learn why Galen’s ideas survived, about the importance of prayer, the use of zodiac charts and illness as a natural phenomenon and a divine punishment. We also learn about the training of doctors, their knowledge of anatomy, and the Church’s restrictions on dissection, as well as about the role of women in village and family medicine.
Includes a glossary, timeline, further information section and index.
Awards and Reviews
“What do the Canterbury Tales, cholera, and Christianity all have in common? These are among the topics found in the excellent new series, The History of Medicine. These books support the National Science Education Standards on ‘The History and Nature of Science’ and help students understand that science is a human endeavor.” – NSTA Recommends
“I recommend the set for middle school libraries.” – Science Books & Films
