James J. Walsh’s Medieval Medicine offers a comprehensive exploration of medical practices during the Middle Ages, challenging modern misconceptions about the period’s healthcare. Contrary to the belief that medieval medicine was solely primitive and superstitious, Walsh illustrates that it was a time of significant medical advancement. Drawing from ancient Greek and Roman texts, particularly those of Hippocrates and Galen, medieval physicians built upon classical knowledge, integrating it with religious and cultural beliefs to form a unique medical system.

The book delves into the structure of medieval medical education, highlighting the establishment of institutions like the University of Salerno in the 10th century. This institution played a pivotal role in preserving and transmitting medical knowledge, blending Greco-Roman traditions with Arabic influences. Walsh emphasizes that medical practice was not solely the domain of clergy; lay practitioners, including women, also contributed significantly to the field. The separation of roles—physicians, surgeons, and apothecaries—was formalized during this period, leading to a more organized approach to healthcare.

Walsh also examines the therapeutic methods employed, many of which were based on the humoral theory. Treatments included herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, and surgical interventions. While some practices, such as bloodletting, may seem outdated today, they were grounded in the medical understanding of the time. The book also addresses the role of religion in medicine, noting that prayer, relics, and pilgrimages were often integrated into healing practices, reflecting the era’s holistic view of health.

Medieval Medicine by James J. Walsh provides a nuanced perspective on the medical practices of the Middle Ages. It underscores the era’s contributions to the evolution of medical science, demonstrating that medieval medicine was a complex and evolving field that laid the groundwork for future advancements.