Medieval Medicine explores the evolution of medical practices in Europe from 500 to 1500 AD, revealing a world where herbal remedies, surgical techniques, and complex theories intertwined. The book highlights how medieval approaches to health were shaped by empirical observation, religious beliefs, and classical learning. Intriguingly, surgery, despite limitations in anesthesia and anatomical understanding, achieved surprising sophistication in areas like wound care and cataract removal.
The book argues that medieval medicine, while seemingly primitive today, laid crucial groundwork for later medical advancements. It delves into the dominance of humoral theory, the role of religion in healing, and the diverse roles of lay healers, monastic physicians, and university doctors. Progressing through chapters, Medieval Medicine first introduces key concepts, then explores herbal remedies and surgical procedures in detail, culminating in an analysis of the shift toward more scientific approaches during the late medieval period.
A distinctive aspect of this work is its integration of social context with medical practices, explaining why treatments were used and how they reflected contemporary beliefs. By examining primary sources like medical treatises and herbals, the book offers a balanced perspective on the ingenuity and resourcefulness of medieval practitioners, making it valuable for anyone interested in medical or medieval history.
