Power, authority and influence in England, c.1250-present
When exploring the history of medicine, it is important to look out for patterns of change and continuity. Factors can also be used to explain why change and continuity took place during certain key periods in history.
Change and continuity
While studying the history of medicine up to the present day, important trendThe general direction in which something is changing or developing. can be identified. There have also been turning pointA decisive moment at which a change occurs. and rapid progress in medical understanding.
Medieval England
- The Church was highly influential throughout medieval England and into the RenaissanceThe revival or rebirth of European art and literature under the influence of classical Roman and Greek culture during the 14th to 16th centuries. period, and it remained very powerful until after the ReformationThe 16th century religious revolution that led to the establishment of the Protestant churches.
- The Church was central to people鈥檚 everyday lives, influenced their beliefs, and controlled learning and education. This gave it massive power
Early Modern England
- Starting with the Renaissance and even more so after the Reformation, there was a period of re-examination of classical and medieval ideas.
- The Church鈥檚 teachings were challenged and questioned. Interest in science and technology grew, leading to progress in the understanding of the human body.
- However, many ideas about the causes of disease and illness continued from medieval England, affecting prevention and treatment. This can be seen in the actions and thinking during the Great Plague.
The Industrial Revolution
- Ideas about the causes of disease and illness saw rapid progress at the end of the 19th century, after Louis Pasteur published his germ theory in 1861.
- This turning point in the history of medicine led to better understanding of how diseases spread.
- As a result, there was progress in prevention, treatment, surgery and public health public healthThe health of the population as a whole, and methods used to prevent disease and keep people healthy.
- Once there was greater scientific understanding of the causes of disease and illness, the British government took a more active role in the health of the people.
Modern Britain
- The 20th century saw rapid improvements in technology that led to progress in diagnosisThe identification of a disease, illness or condition which is present in a patient. A diagnosis is made after looking for signs and symptoms in a patient. and treatment of disease. For example, the discovery of DNA in 1953 was a turning point in the understanding of genetic disease.
- The role of government has further adapted alongside new scientific understanding. The British government now funds medical treatment and research, encourages mass vaccination, and disseminate To spread widely. vital information to help the British people prevent disease and illness.