NaimExplain

A better understanding of the digestive system developed. What did this mean? People gradually stopped believing disease was caused by eating the wrong things

Which new theory was published by William Harvey, an English scientist? In 1628, a new theory was published in Britain, which suggested that blood circulated around the body instead of being made in the liver, as taught by Galen

In 1546, what new text theorised that disease was caused by seeds spread in the air On Contagion

In the 16th century, who was the Theory of the Four Humours rejected by? Some radical physicians. Disease was seen as something separate from the body, which needed to be attacked. New chemical treatments started to appear, influenced by the increasing popularity of alchemy.

What was alchemy? An early form of chemistry. Alchemists tried to turn one material into another. Mostly, they were trying to discover a way of making gold.

Some people came up with new ideas about the causes of disease and illness. They included new ideas based on _______ alchemy and new discoveries about the body

What was there still a widespread belief in, and what were the limits of this? Miasmata as a cause of humoural imbalance and disease. A miasma could be the product of rotten vegetables, decaying bodies of humans or animals, excrement or any swampy, smelly, dirty place. However, even this didn't provide a satisfactory explanation for the spread of diseases when people took such care to avoid miasma.