The Middle Ages, spanning roughly from the 5th to the late 15th century, often referred to as the

Medieval period, might not be the first era that comes to mind when thinking about advancements in
medicine. However, this period made significant contributions to the development of medical knowledge
and practices that laid the groundwork for later advancements. Some of the key contributions include:

1. Preservation and Transmission of Knowledge: Despite the decline of the Roman Empire and the
disruption of institutions, such as schools and libraries, during the early Middle Ages,
monasteries played a crucial role in preserving ancient medical texts. Monks diligently copied
and translated manuscripts, ensuring that the medical knowledge of ancient civilizations,
particularly Greek and Roman, was not lost.

2. Universities and Medical Education: The later Middle Ages saw the emergence of universities
across Europe, where medicine was one of the central subjects of study. Medical education
began to formalize, and universities such as Salerno in Italy and Montpellier in France became
renowned centers for medical learning. These institutions provided a structured curriculum that
included the study of classical medical texts, anatomy, and practical experience through
apprenticeships.

3. Arabic Medical Influences: During the Middle Ages, the Islamic world made significant
advancements in various fields, including medicine. Scholars in the Islamic Golden Age translated
and synthesized Greek, Persian, and Indian medical knowledge, contributing to the expansion of
medical understanding. Many of these translated works eventually made their way to Europe,
enriching Western medical knowledge.

4. Advancements in Surgery: Despite limitations in anesthesia and antiseptic techniques, medieval

surgeons developed innovative approaches to surgery. They improved techniques for wound
treatment, amputations, and setting fractures. Additionally, they expanded their understanding
of anatomy through dissections, albeit often limited to animals due to societal and religious
taboos against human dissection.

5. Herbal Remedies and Pharmacology: Herbalism was a dominant form of medicine during the
Middle Ages. Physicians and apothecaries cultivated extensive knowledge of medicinal plants
and their properties. While some remedies were based on superstition or folklore, many herbal
treatments were effective and laid the groundwork for the development of pharmacology.

6. Public Health and Sanitation: The Middle Ages saw advancements in public health practices,
particularly in urban areas. Efforts were made to improve sanitation, such as the construction of
sewer systems and the regulation of waste disposal. Quarantine measures were also
implemented during outbreaks of contagious diseases to prevent their spread, foreshadowing
modern epidemiological practices.

While the medical advancements of the Middle Ages may seem primitive compared to modern
standards, they were instrumental in shaping the trajectory of medical science. The knowledge and
practices developed during this era formed the basis for further discoveries and innovations in medicine
that would emerge in the Renaissance and beyond.

Other References:

https://www.rosenfeldinjurylawyers.com/news/medicine-in-medieval-times/#:~:text=The%20Middle
%20Ages%20saw%20many,potions%20to%20heal%20their%20patients.
 ‘Parang out of these discoveries they come up into advancement from using herbals,
down to medicines na tinatake natin baga todays, and the most abundant discovery is
development of surgical instruments and techniques.. mas advanced na ang mga
apparatus na ginagamit to todays and it is derived from them.hehehehe
‘’

SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS
The 19th century saw the development of anesthesia and antiseptic techniques, which was the
start of modern surgery. The 20th century saw the growth of endoscopic techniques along with
ever increasing role of laser and ultrasound devices in the operating room (OR).

SOURCE:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/surgical-
instrument#:~:text=Surgical%20instruments,-Ali%20Arastu%2C%20Tariq&text=The
%2019th%20century%20saw%20the,the%20operating%20room%20(OR) .

SURGICAL TECHNIQUES:
https://openmedscience.com/modern-surgery/#:~:text=The%20key%20features%20of
%20modern,to%20visualise%20the%20surgical%20site.
https://openmedscience.com/modern-surgery/#:~:text=The%20key%20features%20of
%20modern,to%20visualise%20the%20surgical%20site.

QUESTION
Give at least 2 advancements in medicine or in the medical field that were
derived from the Middle age era.

 Surgical Techniques
 Medicines: antibiotics, etc.
 Surgical Instruments/Equipment
 Robotic surgery

Clarkie