Medicine and Public Health from Roman Britain to c1350

Supernatural

Amulet or lucky charm

Practical (linked to external events)

Isolation of sick people

Physical (linked to the body)

Hygiene

Roman public baths

Public stewes

Religion

Monks and nuns cared for the sick

Science and technology

Dissection discouraged

Education, training and communication

Medical training based on Galen's works

Some knowledge gained from Muslim doctors

Trained physician

Apothecary

Little formal training and qualifications for physicians until the 13th century

Government

Some local authorities issued orders to keep towns clean

War

Disruption in times of war and loss of knowledge after Roman withdrawal from Britain

Pandemics

Black Death

Supernatural

The result of a curse or witchcraft

Astrology (the result of the movement of planets and stars)

Sent by God

Practical (linked to external events)

Miasma (poisonous air) caused by volcanoes, decaying matter left outside, swampy water

Link between hygiene and health recognised even if not understood

Physical (linked to the body)

Imbalance of the Four Humours

Supernatural

Prayer, religious pilgrimage

Folk remedies, often based on beliefs about magical qualities of animals or actions

Practical (linked to external events)

Herbal remedies

Leechbooks

Herbal remedies based on knowledge of plants

Purify the air

Physical (linked to the body)

Bloodletting, purging, diet, exercise

No hospital care for the very ill

Public latrines

Piped water and conduits

Rivers often contaminated by sewage