Medical Advancements During the Renaissance (Edexcel GCSE History): Revision Note

Exam code: 1HI0

Zoe Wade

Written by: Zoe Wade

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

Updated on

Scientific discoveries in the Renaissance

  • Nearly 600 editions of Galen’s work were published in the Renaissance

    • Physicians did not find the answers that they were seeking

  • The Renaissance atmosphere encouraged the pursuit of scientific explanations for why people became ill

    • The development of humanism helped individuals to disprove religious explanations

    • People began to focus on logical causes for illness

Thomas Sydenham

  • Thomas Sydenham was a humanist

    • He believed that, if other living beings were grouped based on their characteristics, then so could diseases

  • Sydenham's theories stated that:

    • The disease causes the symptoms, not the patient

      • Chickenpox causes the same red bumps in everyone who has it

      • A patient's diet, star sign and humours did not impact symptoms or treatments

    • Physicians should treat the disease as a whole, not each symptom separately

  • He grouped diseases like animals or plants, based on shared symptoms

    • He showed that scarlet fever and measles were two different illnesses

  • Sydenham emphasised careful observation to diagnose and treat correctly

  • These methods shaped how doctors diagnose and record illness today

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Students tend to struggle to explain Sydenham’s impact on medicine.

Sydenham believed that the disease dictated the symptoms.

The Theory of the Four Humours argued that the person dictated the symptoms.

The printing press, medical books & medical advances

  • Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press c.1440 

  • People could easily create books by using inked wood blocks pressed onto paper

  • The Church lost control over which books could be published

  • Scientists could publish and share their work much more easily

The Royal Society, medical theories & medical advances

  • Founded in 1660

  • The Royal Society was an organisation that allowed scientists from across Europe to:

    • Share discoveries

    • Discuss new ideas

  • In 1662, it gained the support of King Charles II, increasing its importance

  • In 1665, the Society began publishing Philosophical Transactions

    • This was the world’s first scientific journal

Worked Example

Explain one way in which ideas about the cause of illness in the years c1250-c1500 were different from ideas about the cause of illness in the years c1500-c1700

4 marks

Answers:

One way in which the ideas about the cause of illness were different from the Medieval period to the Renaissance was the influence of the Theory of the Four Humours (1). In the Medieval period, the Four Humours formed a vital part of how a physician diagnosed a patient’s illness (1), for example having too much blood could cause fever (1). However, in the Renaissance, fewer physicians believed in using the Four Humours to diagnose patients and instead looked at more scientific explanations for illness (1).

Examiner Tips and Tricks

When answering ‘Explain one way…’ questions, it is important to read if it is asking for a similarity or a difference between the two periods. For either form of the question, you get marks for identifying a similarity or difference and giving specific examples from each period.

You've read 0 of your 5 free revision notes this week

Unlock more, it's free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

Zoe Wade

Author: Zoe Wade

Expertise: History Content Creator

Zoe has worked in education for 10 years as a teaching assistant and a teacher. This has given her an in-depth perspective on how to support all learners to achieve to the best of their ability. She has been the Lead of Key Stage 4 History, showing her expertise in the Edexcel GCSE syllabus and how best to revise. Ever since she was a child, Zoe has been passionate about history. She believes now, more than ever, the study of history is vital to explaining the ever-changing world around us. Zoe’s focus is to create accessible content that breaks down key historical concepts and themes to achieve GCSE success.

Bridgette Barrett

Reviewer: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Geography, History, Religious Studies & Environmental Studies Subject Lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 30 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.