Medicine became so advanced in previous centuries that it is astonishing how today's medical discoveries were fueled by those made during the Renaissance. As the mindset of Europeans during this time shifted from religion to self-discovery, medical research began to expand and move toward a more scientific approach. Although many of them could not read, they became more aware of themselves and humanity compared to their previous religious views on life, which led them to take a closer look at the human anatomy. During the English Renaissance, physicians began to advance the scientific study of medicine, leading to the development of modern medical practices and having a more profound impact than previous eras. Before the Renaissance, medicine and public hospitals were rare. Few local areas had any form of medical aid, and those with large hospitals only treated the wealthy. They turned away anyone who could not pay, even if they were dying (“History of Medicine” 2011). Some areas also housed minor infirmaries or hospitals, but very few of these received useful medical care. “None of the 112 nursing homes in medieval England provided doctors for their patients, nor did they stock medicines” (“Hospital,” 1999). This may be responsible for more than half of the deaths in the medieval and Anglo-Saxon eras. Sometimes local barbers were brought into the less traditional hospitals when a surgeon or doctor was not available (“History of Medicine” 2011). Barbers had little knowledge of surgery, which made them more likely to kill their patients. Living conditions were already poor, with cramped houses and poor sanitary conditions; adding the fact...... middle of paper ....... Post. New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 1999. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale of wind. Raymond S Kellis High School. November 16, 2011."Renaissance Medicine." An online medical dictionary of medical terms and medical diagnosis. MD Health Network. Internet. 2009. November 16, 2011. Shane, CJ, ed. Great medical discoveries. San Diego: Greenhaven, 2004. Print. 239 pages. “The rise of scientific medicine: the Renaissance”. PlanetSEED. Schlumberger Excellence in Educational Development, Inc. Web. November 17, 2011. .Yount, Lisa. The history of medicine. San Diego, CA: Lucent, 2002. Print. 118 pages.