The focus shifted from overall "humours" to specifically diseased organs and tissues. 6. The 20th Century to Present: Modern Advancements
Described the circulation of blood, changing the understanding of physiology. 5. The 19th Century: The Scientific Revolution A History of Medicine
A Greek physician in Rome who codified much of medical knowledge, though many of his anatomical findings were based on animal dissection. 3. The Middle Ages: Faith and Preservation The focus shifted from overall "humours" to specifically
His work on human anatomy challenged and corrected Galen's ancient teachings. The Middle Ages: Faith and Preservation His work
Dominated by religious influence and monastic care. The Black Death created a crisis that pushed for better public health measures. 4. The Renaissance to the 18th Century: Challenging Dogma This era saw a surge in anatomical knowledge.
Following the fall of Rome, medical advancements in Europe slowed, but medicine thrived elsewhere.
The history of medicine is a journey from the magical and spiritual to the evidence-based and molecular. It is the story of how humans have attempted to understand, manage, and prevent disease, evolving from early, intuitive remedies to sophisticated technological interventions. 1. Ancient Civilizations: Magic, Herbs, and Early Science