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Renaissance Medicine Revision
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5 Jul 2025
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Renaissance Medicine: GCSE History Revision Notes
F
Frances Lewis
@franceslewis_bfdl
Medical Discoveries and Changing Ideas
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.
Blood Circulation Discovery
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:
- Blood flows in one direction through the body
- One-way valves prevent backward flow
- Blood is recirculated rather than continuously produced
- The heart functions as a pump
Highlight: Harvey's discoveries, while revolutionary, faced initial skepticism and didn't immediately improve medical treatments.
Factors Influencing Medical Progress
Multiple factors contributed to medical advancement during the Renaissance:
Individual dedication and methodology:
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Repeated experimentation for accuracy
- Building upon previous medical knowledge
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 of 1665
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:
- Prayer and religious charms
- Herbal remedies and perfume balls
- Street cleaning and quarantine measures
- Tobacco use as prevention
Highlight: While the actual death toll was around 100,000, only 68,596 deaths were officially recorded.
Vesalius's Contributions to Anatomy
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.
Renaissance Healers and Treatments
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.
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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
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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
Renaissance Medicine: GCSE History Revision Notes
F
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
Medical Discoveries and Changing Ideas
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.
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Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Blood Circulation Discovery
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:
- Blood flows in one direction through the body
- One-way valves prevent backward flow
- Blood is recirculated rather than continuously produced
- The heart functions as a pump
Highlight: Harvey's discoveries, while revolutionary, faced initial skepticism and didn't immediately improve medical treatments.
Factors Influencing Medical Progress
Multiple factors contributed to medical advancement during the Renaissance:
Individual dedication and methodology:
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Repeated experimentation for accuracy
- Building upon previous medical knowledge
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.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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 of 1665
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:
- Prayer and religious charms
- Herbal remedies and perfume balls
- Street cleaning and quarantine measures
- Tobacco use as prevention
Highlight: While the actual death toll was around 100,000, only 68,596 deaths were officially recorded.
Vesalius's Contributions to Anatomy
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.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Renaissance Healers and Treatments
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.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
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.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
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