Medieval Medicine

The text explores the development of medical education and practice during the Middle Ages, focusing on the significant contributions of the Salerno medical school, the first of its kind in modern history. Salerno's rise as a medical hub is attributed to its strategic location in Magna Græcia, where Greek influence persisted, and its status as a health resort attracting patients from across Europe. The Benedictines played a pivotal role in fostering an academic environment conducive to the growth of the medical school. The curriculum at Salerno was rigorous, requiring three years of preparatory studies, four years of medical education, and additional training for those pursuing surgery. This high standard of education set a precedent that modern medical schools have only recently re-embraced. The text also highlights the contributions of early medieval physicians like Aëtius, Alexander of Tralles, and Paul of Ægina, who were influenced by Greek medical traditions and made significant observations in clinical practice. The shift to later medieval medicine saw the influence of Arabian scholars, who preserved and expanded upon Greek medical knowledge. The text underscores the importance of Greek influence in the revival of scientific medicine during the Middle Ages and challenges the misconception that this period was devoid of intellectual and scientific progress.