Facts About Everyday Life During Elizabethan England Times Medicine
The Elizabethan era was a significant period in England's history. It was a time of great change, and this included the development of medicine. The medical practices during this period were vastly different from what we have today. In this article, we will explore some interesting facts about everyday life during Elizabethan England times medicine.
1. The Role of Physicians
During the Elizabethan era, physicians were highly respected members of society. They were trained in universities and were mainly responsible for diagnosing and treating illnesses. However, their methods were often ineffective, and their treatments were often based on superstitions and old beliefs.
One popular treatment was bloodletting, where a physician would cut a patient's vein to drain blood. This was believed to restore the balance of the four humors in the body. Another popular treatment was purging, where a patient was given laxatives to cleanse their system.
2. The Role of Apothecaries
Apothecaries were the pharmacists of the Elizabethan era. They were responsible for preparing and dispensing medicines. They were also involved in making ointments and salves. However, their knowledge of medicine was limited, and their remedies were often ineffective.
One popular remedy was the use of herbs. Apothecaries believed in the healing power of herbs and used them to treat various ailments. They also used animal parts, such as ground unicorn horn, as a remedy for various illnesses.
3. The Role of Barbers
Barbers during the Elizabethan era were not just responsible for cutting hair. They were also involved in minor medical procedures such as tooth extractions and bloodletting. They were known as barber-surgeons.
Barbers were not trained in medicine, and their methods were often crude and painful. Tooth extractions were done without anesthesia, and patients were often left with infections.
4. The Role of Midwives
Midwives were responsible for delivering babies during the Elizabethan era. They were not trained in medicine, and their methods were often based on superstitions and old beliefs.
Midwives believed that a baby's position in the womb could affect their temperament. They also believed that the moon could affect the outcome of a birth.
5. The Plague
The plague was a significant concern during the Elizabethan era. It was an infectious disease that was spread by rats and fleas. The symptoms included fever, chills, and swelling of the lymph nodes.
The plague was a deadly disease, and many people died from it. The government took measures to control the spread of the disease, such as quarantining infected individuals and burning infected clothing and bedding.
Conclusion
Medicine during the Elizabethan era was vastly different from what we have today. The methods and treatments used during this period were often ineffective and based on superstitions and old beliefs. Despite this, physicians, apothecaries, barber-surgeons, and midwives played an essential role in society. They were responsible for diagnosing and treating illnesses, delivering babies, and preparing and dispensing medicines.