大象传媒

The lack of impact science had on medicine before the 1800s is explained. Medicine at that time was dominated by herbs, used to make 'simples' (one herb) or more complex potions. The potions were based on experience and on the theory of signatures (if it looks like a lung it will treat the lung), and on ideas of magic or starsigns. Apothecaries became the sellers of these potions from the 14th century, and their variety of potions expanded in the 16th century as trade grew around the world.