Question
"Despite the Renaissance, treatments for disease in the 17th century were no better than those in the Middle Ages." How far do you agree? (16 marks)
Mark scheme — Levels 1–4 with judgement. Agree:
- Galenic theory still dominant; bloodletting and purging continued.
- No germ theory, no anaesthetic, no antibiotics.
- Folk remedies and prayer still primary care for most.
- Treatments for plague (1665) similar to 1348. Disagree:
- Apothecaries became regulated profession.
- Government coordination of public health (Bills of Mortality, quarantine).
- Voluntary isolation (Eyam) showed practical wisdom.
- Paré's ligatures and Harvey's circulation were Renaissance milestones. Best answers argue that Renaissance produced new ideas and organisation but not new cures — most patients in 1665 fared as in 1348.
16 marks · take your time before peeking.
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Generated by TopMyGrade AI · cross-check official sources before relying on the mark-scheme phrasing.