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'The main reason why medical care and treatment was ineffective during the medieval period, c1250-c1500, was because medical knowledge was based on Galen's ideas' - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 5
'The main reason why medical care and treatment was ineffective during the medieval period, c1250-c1500, was because medical knowledge was based on Galen's ideas'. ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'The main reason why medical care and treatment was ineffective during the medieval period, c1250-c1500, was because medical knowledge was based on Galen's ideas' - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Theory of Opposites
Answer
The Theory of Opposites was a key component of Galenic medicine, which proposed that disease could be treated by balancing the body's humors through oppositional qualities. For instance, symptoms of a fever could be treated with cold foods to counteract heat. This simplistic understanding limited physicians' ability to diagnose and treat effectively, highlighting how adherence to Galen's theories made medical care less effective.
Step 2
Hospitals
Answer
During the medieval period, hospitals were primarily focused on care for the poor and sick rather than advancing medical knowledge. Many hospitals followed religious principles rather than scientific methods, leading to inadequate treatment options. The reliance on Galen’s outdated theories in these institutions further contributed to the ineffectiveness of medical care at the time, as they often lacked the means to provide evidence-based treatments.
Step 3
Personal Insight
Answer
In addition to the above elements, it is important to consider other factors that rendered medieval medicine ineffective. For example, limited access to medical knowledge due to the dominance of the church and the illiteracy of the general population prevented many from seeking or understanding alternative treatments. Thus, while Galen's ideas played a significant role, other social and institutional factors also contributed to the ineffectiveness of medical care.