Question 1: Describe the main beliefs about the causes of illness in medieval Europe. How did these beliefs influence the treatments used at the time?

Answer: Many believed that illnesses were caused by imbalances of the four humours (blood, phlegm, black bile, yellow bile) or by evil spirits and curses. These beliefs led to treatments aimed at restoring humoral balance, such as bloodletting, purging, and prayer or religious rituals to ward off evil spirits.

Question 2: List three common treatments used in medieval medicine and explain how they were supposed to work.

Answer: 1. Bloodletting - believed to balance humours by removing excess blood. 2. Herbal remedies - herbs were thought to cure or relieve symptoms. 3. Prayer and religious charms - used to invoke divine help to heal the sick.

Question 3: Explain the role of monasteries in medieval medicine. What kind of medical care did monks provide?

Answer: Monasteries were centers of medical knowledge where monks would care for the sick. They maintained herbal gardens, prepared remedies, and provided basic treatments based on their religious beliefs and traditional practices. Some monks also copied medical texts to preserve knowledge.

Question 4: Imagine you are a medieval healer. Write a short description of a typical treatment session for a patient suffering from a fever.

Answer: I would examine the patient and perhaps bleed them slightly to remove 'bad blood.' I might give them herbal infusions like willow bark tea, believed to reduce fever, and pray for divine intervention. I would also advise rest and protection from cold winds.

Question 5: Draw a diagram of a medieval herbal garden. Label at least three different types of herbs that might be grown there and explain their uses.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a small garden divided into sections with different herbs. Labels might include: 1. Lavender (used for calming and sleep), 2. Sage (used for sore throats), 3. Mint (used for digestion).

Question 6: Compare medieval medicine to modern medicine. What are two key differences in how illnesses were understood and treated?

Answer: In medieval times, illnesses were often believed to be caused by humours or evil spirits, and treatments focused on balancing humours or religious rituals. Today, we understand illnesses are caused by germs and bacteria, and treatments include antibiotics and scientific procedures.

Question 7: What was the significance of the church in medieval medicine? Did it support or hinder medical progress? Explain your answer.

Answer: The church played a major role by providing care in monasteries and promoting healing through prayer. However, it sometimes hindered progress by discouraging scientific investigation and emphasizing divine intervention over scientific explanations.

Question 8: Identify and explain one limitation of medieval medical treatments based on your knowledge.

Answer: Many treatments were ineffective because they were based on incorrect beliefs, such as the idea of balancing humours. For example, bloodletting could weaken patients further rather than help them.

Question 9: Describe how the Black Death affected medical practices and beliefs in medieval Europe.

Answer: The Black Death, which killed many, led some to believe it was divine punishment. It caused some to seek religious responses, like prayers and processions, but also exposed the limitations of existing medical knowledge, leading to increased questioning and some growth in scientific investigation.