Subjects
Maths
Chemistry
Biology
English Language
History
Responding to change (a2 only)
Infection and response
Homeostasis and response
Energy transfers (a2 only)
Cell biology
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (a-level only)
Biological molecules
Organisation
Substance exchange
Bioenergetics
Genetic information & variation
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Genetics & ecosystems (a2 only)
Ecology
Cells
Show all topics
Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
World war two & the holocaust
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
World war one
Britain: 1509 -1745
Show all topics
History
7 Dec 2025
1,901
6 pages
Frances Lewis @franceslewis_bfdl
Renaissance Medicine: A Transformative Period in Medical History - The Renaissance period (1500-1700) marked significant changes in renaissance... Show more
The Renaissance period witnessed significant shifts in medical understanding, particularly regarding the four humours theory and anatomy.
Vocabulary Miasmata - the belief that disease spread through bad smells and evil fumes.
William Harvey's groundbreaking work on blood circulation marked a pivotal moment in medical history. Born in Kent in 1578, he studied at Padua University and later became physician to Charles I.
Quote Harvey's 1628 publication 'An anatomical account of the motion of the heart and body' definitively proved Galen's theories incorrect.
The period saw both progressive changes and persistent traditional beliefs, with some physicians still relying on classical texts for diagnosis.
William Harvey's revolutionary discovery of blood circulation fundamentally changed our understanding of human physiology. Through careful dissection and observation, he established that
Definition Blood circulation is the continuous movement of blood through the heart and body in one direction.
His key findings included
Highlight Harvey's discoveries, while revolutionary, faced initial skepticism and didn't immediately improve medical treatments.
Multiple factors contributed to medical advancement during the Renaissance
Individual dedication and methodology
Example Harvey's understanding of mechanical water pumps inspired his theory of the heart as a blood pump.
Scientific attitudes and technological developments played crucial roles in advancing medical knowledge.
The Great Plague represented a significant public health crisis in Renaissance London, causing approximately 100,000 deaths.
Definition The Great Plague was a severe outbreak of bubonic plague that peaked during summer months of 1665.
Treatment approaches combined traditional, religious, and emerging medical practices
Highlight While the actual death toll was around 100,000, only 68,596 deaths were officially recorded.
Vesalius and Galen represented a crucial transition in medical understanding. Vesalius's work significantly advanced anatomical knowledge through direct observation and dissection.
Highlight Vesalius disproved several of Galen's theories through actual human dissections.
Example He discovered that the human jaw was one bone, not two as Galen had claimed.
The Renaissance period saw a diverse range of medical practitioners attending to public health. Physicians received formal education based on works of Galen, Vesalius, and William Harvey, emphasizing thorough patient examination and experimental approaches.
Definition Physicians were formally trained medical practitioners who studied classical medical texts and conducted patient examinations.
Common people often relied on family remedies, apothecaries, or surgeons due to the high cost of physicians. Women played a crucial role in community healthcare, while nursing sisters administered herbal treatments.
Example Nursing helpers performed non-medical tasks like patient cleaning and food preparation.
Traditional treatments included bleeding and purging to balance the four humours, while herbal remedies were widely used despite limited understanding of their antibacterial properties.
Highlight The belief in royal touch as a cure reflected the strong connection between medicine and religious beliefs during this period.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
53
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the key concepts of medieval medicine, including the causes and treatments of diseases like the Black Death, public health measures, and the roles of physicians, surgeons, and apothecaries. This summary provides a comprehensive overview of medical practices and societal responses during the Middle Ages, ideal for students studying medieval history.
HistoryExplore the evolution of public health during the medieval period, focusing on the impact of monasteries, sanitation practices, and the Black Death. This summary covers key concepts such as disease prevention, the role of Islamic medicine, and the social implications of health practices in medieval England. Ideal for AQA GCSE History students studying Health and People.
HistoryExplore the evolution of medieval medicine, including the influence of the Church, key figures like Galen and Ibn Sina, and the impact of the Black Death. This presentation covers disease prevention, treatments, and public health challenges in medieval England, highlighting the balance between ancient practices and emerging ideas. Ideal for students studying the Middle Ages and the history of medicine.
HistoryExplore the key concepts of medieval medicine in England, including the causes of diseases, influential figures like Hippocrates and Galen, and the treatments used during the Middle Ages. This mind map provides a comprehensive look at public health practices, the theory of humors, and the role of the church in healthcare, tailored for GCSE history students.
HistoryExplore the comprehensive journey of medicine from the Middle Ages to modern advancements. This study note covers key figures like Florence Nightingale and John Snow, pivotal events such as the Black Death and the Great Plague, and breakthroughs in vaccination and antibiotics. Ideal for GCSE Edexcel History students, this resource delves into public health reforms, germ theory, and the evolution of disease prevention and treatment methods.
HistoryExplore the challenges faced by Elizabeth I upon her ascension in 1558, focusing on the religious tensions between Catholics and Protestants. This study resource includes a detailed mind map outlining Elizabeth's problems and a comparative table of Catholic and Protestant beliefs. Ideal for GCSE students preparing for exams across various boards.
HistoryApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Frances Lewis
@franceslewis_bfdl
Renaissance Medicine: A Transformative Period in Medical History - The Renaissance period (1500-1700) marked significant changes in renaissance medicine treatments and understanding, though traditional beliefs persisted alongside new discoveries. Key figures like William Harvey and Vesaliuschallenged ancient medical theories,... Show more
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Renaissance period witnessed significant shifts in medical understanding, particularly regarding the four humours theory and anatomy.
Vocabulary: Miasmata - the belief that disease spread through bad smells and evil fumes.
William Harvey's groundbreaking work on blood circulation marked a pivotal moment in medical history. Born in Kent in 1578, he studied at Padua University and later became physician to Charles I.
Quote: Harvey's 1628 publication 'An anatomical account of the motion of the heart and body' definitively proved Galen's theories incorrect.
The period saw both progressive changes and persistent traditional beliefs, with some physicians still relying on classical texts for diagnosis.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
William Harvey's revolutionary discovery of blood circulation fundamentally changed our understanding of human physiology. Through careful dissection and observation, he established that:
Definition: Blood circulation is the continuous movement of blood through the heart and body in one direction.
His key findings included:
Highlight: Harvey's discoveries, while revolutionary, faced initial skepticism and didn't immediately improve medical treatments.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Multiple factors contributed to medical advancement during the Renaissance:
Individual dedication and methodology:
Example: Harvey's understanding of mechanical water pumps inspired his theory of the heart as a blood pump.
Scientific attitudes and technological developments played crucial roles in advancing medical knowledge.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Great Plague represented a significant public health crisis in Renaissance London, causing approximately 100,000 deaths.
Definition: The Great Plague was a severe outbreak of bubonic plague that peaked during summer months of 1665.
Treatment approaches combined traditional, religious, and emerging medical practices:
Highlight: While the actual death toll was around 100,000, only 68,596 deaths were officially recorded.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Vesalius and Galen represented a crucial transition in medical understanding. Vesalius's work significantly advanced anatomical knowledge through direct observation and dissection.
Highlight: Vesalius disproved several of Galen's theories through actual human dissections.
Example: He discovered that the human jaw was one bone, not two as Galen had claimed.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Renaissance period saw a diverse range of medical practitioners attending to public health. Physicians received formal education based on works of Galen, Vesalius, and William Harvey, emphasizing thorough patient examination and experimental approaches.
Definition: Physicians were formally trained medical practitioners who studied classical medical texts and conducted patient examinations.
Common people often relied on family remedies, apothecaries, or surgeons due to the high cost of physicians. Women played a crucial role in community healthcare, while nursing sisters administered herbal treatments.
Example: Nursing helpers performed non-medical tasks like patient cleaning and food preparation.
Traditional treatments included bleeding and purging to balance the four humours, while herbal remedies were widely used despite limited understanding of their antibacterial properties.
Highlight: The belief in royal touch as a cure reflected the strong connection between medicine and religious beliefs during this period.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
53
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the key concepts of medieval medicine, including the causes and treatments of diseases like the Black Death, public health measures, and the roles of physicians, surgeons, and apothecaries. This summary provides a comprehensive overview of medical practices and societal responses during the Middle Ages, ideal for students studying medieval history.
HistoryExplore the evolution of public health during the medieval period, focusing on the impact of monasteries, sanitation practices, and the Black Death. This summary covers key concepts such as disease prevention, the role of Islamic medicine, and the social implications of health practices in medieval England. Ideal for AQA GCSE History students studying Health and People.
HistoryExplore the evolution of medieval medicine, including the influence of the Church, key figures like Galen and Ibn Sina, and the impact of the Black Death. This presentation covers disease prevention, treatments, and public health challenges in medieval England, highlighting the balance between ancient practices and emerging ideas. Ideal for students studying the Middle Ages and the history of medicine.
HistoryExplore the key concepts of medieval medicine in England, including the causes of diseases, influential figures like Hippocrates and Galen, and the treatments used during the Middle Ages. This mind map provides a comprehensive look at public health practices, the theory of humors, and the role of the church in healthcare, tailored for GCSE history students.
HistoryExplore the comprehensive journey of medicine from the Middle Ages to modern advancements. This study note covers key figures like Florence Nightingale and John Snow, pivotal events such as the Black Death and the Great Plague, and breakthroughs in vaccination and antibiotics. Ideal for GCSE Edexcel History students, this resource delves into public health reforms, germ theory, and the evolution of disease prevention and treatment methods.
HistoryExplore the challenges faced by Elizabeth I upon her ascension in 1558, focusing on the religious tensions between Catholics and Protestants. This study resource includes a detailed mind map outlining Elizabeth's problems and a comparative table of Catholic and Protestant beliefs. Ideal for GCSE students preparing for exams across various boards.
HistoryApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology