'There was little progress in understanding the cause of disease in the years c1250-c1700.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 1

The assertion that there was little progress in understanding the cause of disease during the period from c1250 to c1700 is complex. On one hand, traditional beliefs in the imbalance of humours prevailed for much of this time, as evidenced by the continuation of practices such as bloodletting and purging, which were common until late in the 17th century. For instance, in the context of the Great Plague of London in 1665, the authorities continued to enforce measures based on these outdated ideas.

However, the Great Plague also marked a turning point in the understanding of disease causation. The order to kill cats and dogs to combat the plague suggests a move toward recognizing the role of contagion and environmental factors. Additionally, the development of the Bills of Mortality indicated a nascent understanding of epidemiological data, providing insights into the spread of diseases.