Hippocrates & Galen | AQA GCSE History Revision Notes 2016

Importance in Medieval England

• Hippocrates and Galen were pivotal figures in medieval medicine.
• Their ideas were foundational due to lack of scientific advancement and the Church's endorsement.

Hippocrates

• Ancient Greek physician, known as the Father of Modern Medicine.
  • Pioneered the importance of observing symptoms before diagnosis.
  • Introduced the Hippocratic Oath still relevant today.

Theory of the Four Humours

• Proposed the body is composed of four humours: Blood, Phlegm, Black Bile, Yellow Bile (Choler).
  • Health is maintained by balancing these humours.
  • Linked to seasons, elements, and star signs.

Galen

• Roman physician who expanded on Hippocrates' theories.
• Interested in anatomy and publicly dissected animals.
  • His anatomical conclusions, often incorrect due to differences between animals and humans, dominated for 1400 years.

Theory of Opposites

• Suggested curing an excess of one humour by using the opposite.
  • Example: Treating excess phlegm (cold) with hot substances like pepper.

Continued Influence in Medieval England

Role of the Church

• Supported Hippocrates and Galen's ideas as they did not require dissection.
  • Church doctrine insisted on keeping the body intact for the soul's journey to heaven.

Lack of Medical Knowledge

• Physicians were seen as more educated; their use of ancient texts went unquestioned.
  • Scientific discoveries were minimal, leaving Hippocrates and Galen's theories unchallenged.

Note

• The emergence of the Black Death in 1348 began to challenge these entrenched ideas.

Examiner Tips and Tricks

• The 16-mark "Factors" question evaluates one of seven factors in health and medicine.
  • Includes war, superstition, religion, chance, government, communication, science, and individual's role.

Visual Aids

• Diagram of the Four Humours linking to seasons and elements.

This summary captures the essence of the roles Hippocrates and Galen played in the development of medieval medicine as understood by historians and the importance these figures had in shaping medical practices influenced by the Church and societal beliefs of their time.