What did Medieval people think caused illness? Mr McDonald

Lesson Objectives: See why people had different ideas about the causes of disease. Who treated the ill. We will begin to see the impact of the church.

See why people had different ideas about the causes of disease.

Who treated the ill.

We will begin to see the impact of the church.

Beliefs about the cause of illness Supernatural: Magic Religion Planets Natural Look for more simple explanations – not always right.

Supernatural:

Magic

Religion

Planets

Natural

Look for more simple explanations – not always right.

God Illnesses could be sent if you were a sinner Or as a test of faith if you were good! Going to church or going on a pilgrimage will have a more positive affect on this (or it is hoped!)

Illnesses could be sent if you were a sinner

Or as a test of faith if you were good!

Going to church or going on a pilgrimage will have a more positive affect on this (or it is hoped!)

Planets Medieval doctors were expected to have a good understanding of astrology and astronomy One is to do with Russell Grant – the other more NASA!

Medieval doctors were expected to have a good understanding of astrology and astronomy

One is to do with Russell Grant – the other more NASA!

Four Humours and worse… At least it is something natural! Four Humours were used to make a diagnosis Another aspect used was the analysis of urine.

At least it is something natural!

Four Humours were used to make a diagnosis

Another aspect used was the analysis of urine.

Vademecum The BIG Book that charted the planets, showed tables of shades of urine and many other wonderful ways to diagnose and treat a medieval patient. Even natural treatments had ‘magical’ properties such as herbs which were supposed to heal by magical treatments.

The BIG Book that charted the planets, showed tables of shades of urine and many other wonderful ways to diagnose and treat a medieval patient.

Even natural treatments had ‘magical’ properties such as herbs which were supposed to heal by magical treatments.