Ideal For Turning Points In History

A presentation upon  medieval illness and disease with emphasis upon the causes, spread and effects of the Black Death.

Also includes:

Beliefs about the causes of illness

How illness was diagnosed in Medieval times using:

- Humoural theory (What the 4 humours were and how they influenced health and illness)

- Analysis of urine and blood.

-        Astrology and Numerology.

How Illnesses were treated:

- Purging

 -        Blood Letting

(with surgical instruments and live leeches)

-        Cauterizing

-  The use of medicinal herbs, spices and food

-        The role of astrology and numerology in healing

(complete with an early computer)

-        The role of the Church in healing 

Medieval Surgery with:

-        A huge display of museum-quality reproduction medieval surgical equipment

-        Demonstrations of how operations were carried out

The operations include:

-        Demonstrations of battle wound treatment (arrow wounds;  sword  and dagger wounds)

- Trepanning

-Treatment of the tooth worm and tooth pulling

- Amputation

(limbs, toes and fingers)

-        The anaesthetics used

-        Comparisons with medical diagnosis and treatment today.

The presentation is interactive with students actively encouraged to participate