Medicine stands still (AQA GCSE History): Model Answers

In Mediaeval times, Christianity hindered the development of medicine as the Church insisted on adherence to the teachings of Hippocrates and Galen. This discouraged individuals from conducting their own research, as such inquiries might conflict with the Bible—especially since Galen's theories aligned with biblical teachings. For example, Roger Bacon was arrested for dissecting a body during this period, as dissection was prohibited. His arrest highlights how much Christianity impeded medical progress, as the strict religious rules of the time forced people to rely on Galenic anatomy, which was based on the anatomy of a pig. Consequently, people held incorrect beliefs about human medicine.

Additionally, Christianity had a lasting impact on the treatment of sick people, as churches and monasteries were often used as hospitals in mediaeval times. Between 1000 and 1500, around 700 new hospitals were established, where the sick were treated with prayer and herbal remedies. Christians believed it was their duty to care for the ill, following the example of Jesus. This has long-term significance because it set a precedent for the treatment of the sick in the UK, initiating the widespread construction of hospitals. This tradition may have influenced the creation of the NHS in 1948, as the belief in the importance of treating the sick has deep roots in Christian practices.