ABSTRACT
The Middle Ages were, as the name implies, a transition between the classical or ancient and modern civilizations. The use of the term Middle Ages or medieval now is mere convenience rather than logical or descriptive. The medieval world is distinguished from the Greco-Roman world by the appearance of two new elements or streams of culture which helped to make a different society: the Germans and Christianity. Medically the Germans believed in the magical qualities of various incantations and herbs, as can be seen in the Anglo-Saxon leech books. The greatest contribution in the Middle Ages to the development of nursing was made by Christianity, especially through Christian charity which was influenced by both Jewish and pagan models. Christianity made charity one of the leading virtues. Jesus had set an example of solicitude for the poor and sick that could not be entirely ignored.
