a common saying among Society today. We do not stop to think of how it reflects

our outlook of Medicine in our lives. We have come to understand the value of

simple practices in order to keep ourselves healthy. This is not, however, the

case of Medieval England. Most 'medical practices' of the time were based upon

superstition, ancient texts, myth, or the direction of the church. Medical

practices of Medieval England often based upon nothing more than superstition

proved unbeneficial if not harmful to the people of England.

Part of the obvious problem was the fact that the common person had

little care or sense for improving their own health. The life and livelihood of

an average person was less than desirable even from the time of birth.

In the villages chronic inbreeding must have produced many children who

started life with a built in weakness, either mental or physical. Many would

die in childhood, but others who grew into manhood, might drag out a useless

existance, dependent on charity for their sustenance. In general, infant

mortality was extremely heavy....Once the child was free to crawl about

the conclusion that the surest way to survive was to keep away from the doctor."

In summary of medical practice to the end of 1400, it may be said

Lepers, cripples, and the blind were not uncommon in Medieval England.

be joining a numerous band." (Tokeieff 123).Yet, they, along with other sick

measures included blood letting, steam baths, amulets, spells, hexes, prayers,

upon by the next. Perhaps a century or two down the historical road mankind will

be simply disgusted by the way we live.

teachers carried the title 'Doctor' The physician was little advanced over the

"Cripples were everywhere. When the only known way to deal with a leg wound, or

furnace and pounded in the mortar could contain anything from crushed rocks to

Some common words found in the essay are:
Monks Monasteries, Medieval England, Hospitals Provision, England Cripples, medieval england, tokeieff 120, people england, carried title, based superstition,
Approximate Word count = 819
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)