Medicine in the Middle Ages
Extracts from "Le Moyen Age Medical" by Dr. Edmond Dupouy; translated by T. C. Minor
"Medicine in the Middle Ages" by Edmond Dupouy is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the evolution of medical practices and beliefs during the Middle Ages, focusing on the influence of religion, the role of prominent physicians, and the impact of significant epidemics on society. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how medicine was perceived and practiced in this pivotal period of history. At the start of the work, Dupouy introduces the decline of Roman civilization in the 4th century and the subsequent rise of the Middle Ages, where medical knowledge regressed as the Church imposed its doctrines on the practice of health care. He discusses the contributions of both Greek and Arab physicians who attempted to preserve and expand medical knowledge amidst widespread superstition. The opening portion also highlights the tensions between religious beliefs and scientific inquiry, as well as the emergence of various medical schools and hospitals throughout Europe, setting the stage for the eventual revival of medicine in the later centuries.