Did you hear or read the story of Hansel and Grethel when you were a child?  I did, and always wondered who thought that was a good story to read to children?  It was a very dark and creepy story, though it had a somewhat happy ending.  I also wondered if there were really people who would leave their children to die in the woods.

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Discover The Truly Grim History Behind The Fairy Tale Of Hansel And Gretel

By Joseph Williams | Edited By Leah Silverman

Published October 30, 2021; Updated November 8, 2021

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At one point in time, I learned that most of the nursery rhymes and “fairy tales” read to us as children had a very dark message.  Which made no sense to me.   But, now I understand.  Censors would not allow people to write about what was happening in dark times.  When people were persecuted, and government tyranny forced people into oppression, servitude, poverty and starvation,  they discovered that they could warn others and future generations, if they wrote the truth as a children’s rhyme or bedtime story.  Sometimes it takes centuries for the original truths to come out…but then again, sometimes that is when the warning is most vital.  

If you have any doubt that human beings are capable of such things, the following article is TRUE.  

4 Children for Sale  is a photograph that depicts a mother, Lucille Chalifoux, hiding her head (presumably in shame) as her four children sit unwittingly beneath a sign that offers all of them for sale.[2] The photo was first published by the Vidette-Messenger of Valparaiso, Indiana on August 5, 1948 and was circulated widely during the following week.[3]After the photo While it has been speculated that the photo may have been staged, the story behind it was true. All of the children, including the child that Chalifoux was pregnant with at the time the photo was taken, were sold. One of the girls in the photo claimed that she was sold for $2 for bingo money,[4] and others claimed to have been sold and chained to a barn to work as slave laborers on a farm.[5]Descendants of the children have sought to find their relatives.[6]

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Yes, Virginia, in desperate times people often commit horrendous crimes.  We are living in dark days.  As a society we have been conditioned to believe that GOD is dead or NEVER EXISTED.  All propriety and decency has been thrown out.  No one cares about GOD’s Commandments anymore.  People are selfish and cruel.

I will tell you something.  The 1st INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION did much to devalue children.  When we were an agricultural society, families needed a lot of children to help with the chores.  Everyone had big families.  But, with this new modern technology, children have become more of a burden than an asset.  In the Factories of the Victorian Era children were slaves, nothing more beasts of burden.  

The Brothers Grimm wrote during the Enlightenment and the 1st Industrial Revolution.  Which rightly began in the 1200’s and ran through the 1800’s.   It was not a time of great enlightenment, in my opinion, but it was definitely a REVOLUTION.  A time of great upheaval and vicissitude.  In fact, much like the world today, which is in the 4th Industrial Revolution, I believe.

Of course anyone who knows the truth of history, knows there have been many Industrial Revolutions.

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The political history of the world is the history of the various political entities created by the human race throughout their existence and the way these states define their borders. Throughout history, political systems have expanded from basic systems of self-governance and monarchy to the complex democratic and totalitarian systems that exist today. In parallel, political entities have expanded from vaguely defined frontier-type boundaries, to the national definite boundaries existing today.  Source

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, & SOCIETY: A STUDENT-LED EXPLORATION   CHAPTER 16

INTRODUCTION

The Medieval Era is often overlooked when it comes to their accomplishments in the progression of science and technology. Although the period is associated with depictions of medieval knights rushing to battle and the infamous Bubonic Plague sweeping over Europe, the science and technology conceived from these matters were substantial milestones in the advancement of science and technology in society.  During the Medieval Era, from the year 476 to 1600 AD, society saw an advancement in science and technology that greatly impacted the areas of health, agriculture, and economics. By the end of this chapter you will learn how these advancements were also influenced by the political and religious circumstances evolving throughout this time period.

TECHNOLOGY AND THE CHURCH

The Medieval time period is often referred to as the “Dark Ages” partly because of the notion that it lacked scientific or technological advancement. This is largely due to the rise of the Christian (ROMAN CATHOLIC) Church that took control of almost all aspects of life including religious, government and scientific functions of the Roman Empire (McCall, 2018). Religion from a scientific standpoint was only to get closer to God and unveil His creations (McCall, 2018) (Maybe in the eyes of scientists, but then what god or gods or goddesses are they referencing?. The Catholic Church during the Middle Ages hindered scientific advancement because it feared that scientific reasoning would threaten its authority; however the introduction of new technologies was not seen as such of a threat and was integrated into people’s lives such as the invention of the chimney. Scientific reasoning for natural phenomenon could have called into question the Church’s place of power. This is why certain scientific practices were strictly controlled by the (Roman Catholic) church, like that of human dissections for learning the anatomy of the body. 

It was not until the year 313 that Christianity was legally recognized as a religion (Nelson, 2001). This was because of the efforts of Constantine who turned the religion into a structured (STATE) institution of its own that unified the East and the West after the fall of the Roman Empire (Nelson, 2001b). (That was his purpose, to use the growing popularity of Christianity to his advantage toward gaining control of the whole world)  To Constantine, keeping the authority of the church meant preserving its appearance and capabilities. The Church became more than just a religion, it became the center of community life (Park, 1994). For centuries, scientific learning was confined to monasteries and cathedral schools where monks and priests would learn and teach sciences such as medicine, architecture, astronomy, and arithmetic (Park, 1994). (That is because all those institutions were PAGAN.  Including Monasteries and Nunneries. This was the pagan practice that goes back to the DRUIDS. They established universities, colleges, monasteries and nunneries because they had from the beginning maintain control over the people by witchcraft, magick and sorcery. They held all the “wisdom” of the ancients and kept all the people ignorant and controlled.)  The sick were able to be healed in the name of God (but not the authority of GOD because they do not serve the Creator, they serve the gods of ROME), new churches were able to be built, prayer times and religious holidays (all pagan) were established,  and the financial accounts of the Church were able to be well kept  (Nelson, 2017). However, the subjects were bound to the rules established by the Church, and consequently, scientific advancement was impeded.

Under these conditions, there was little to no room for scientific growth outside of the church. For example, public dissections of human bodies were given solely by the church and considered moral religious events . They were seldom given for the reason that it was said that after death the body should remain whole for resurrection . This tactic limited the science of anatomy and sequentially prevented progress in the medical field. If the people of the community were able to restore their health by science instead of the power of prayer from the Church, they would lose faith in the Church’s abilities and not be obliged to make donations to the Church for their services.

Alternatively, technology outside the Church did not pose a threat. The community’s technological focus was on the improvement of work and home life (White, 1978). The Church was fond of such achievements because more work done in the community meant a larger tithe would be given to the church (Park, 1994). The chimney was a revolutionary achievement because its warmth allowed work to be done through the winter months (Dresbeck, 1971).  Additionally, the chimney benefited home life by making it easier to cook and carry out separate activities in the house (Dresbeck, 1971). People were not confined to a centralized hearth. Singular rooms such as kitchens and bedrooms took the place of large one-roomed homes.  (which greatly contributed to the breakdown of the family.  Family members could work late hours and families at home could separate into different rooms instead of gathering together near the hearth.  Just as modern families suffer from each child having their own room, their own phone and their own computer/video games. )

Many technological advancements occurred throughout the Medieval time period that impacted agriculture, textiles, and building construction. None of which negatively impacted the Christian Church or its authoritative image. The Church was able to maintain control over scientific knowledge, yet allow the development of new technology that would ultimately carry society out of the “Dark Ages.”

POLITICS AND SOCIETY: THE FEUDAL SYSTEM

Along with the powers of the Church during the Medieval era, political power was a combination of legal, economic,  and military customs. Feudalism, in which rulers granted land to lower nobility in return for military service, was the prominent political system in central Europe. These nobles, in turn, made similar exchanges with vassals, who were subordinates that held small plots of land. The working class then provided labor for these vassals, nobles, and rulers in exchange for military protection. Before the rise of feudalism, political systems relied mostly on a strong centralized government. Rather than power resting with kings and emperors, much of the power was held by local elites or lords. The beginning stages of feudalism can be traced back to Charles Martel, who lived from 686 to 741. Charles Martel’s adoption of mounted cavalry, along with the invention of the stirrup, contributed greatly to the rise of feudalism in medieval Europe.

Charles Martel was the Mayor of the Palace of Austrasia from 715 to 741 (Duckett, 2019). Austrasia was the eastern area of the Frankish kingdom – a kingdom that covered modern-day Germany and France. Martel consolidated power by conducting a civil war and securing Frankish lands. In 721, Muslim Umayyads invaded the Frankish kingdom from Spain. Heinrich Brunner, a German historian, claimed it was the Muslim invasion that generated feudalism in medieval Europe (White ,1964). The invasion led Martel to seek the development of a professional army rather than one made mostly of conscripts to counter the Muslim horsemen. To pay his professional warriors, he confiscated church lands and distributed them to his followers.

According to Lynn Townsend White, author of Medieval Technology and Social Change, “Martel’s diversion of a considerable part of the Church’s vast riches to military purposes therefore was contemporary with the shift of the focus of the Frankish army from infantry to cavalry” (White, 1964). In exchange for Martel giving his followers land, they were required to serve in his military as mounted cavalry. The trade of land for allegiance is an example of vassalage, a core component of a feudal society. The use of cavalry became even more of an advantage with the invention of the stirrup. According to White, the stirrup made mounted shock combat possible by allowing warriors to replace their own energy with the power of the horse (White, 1964).

After the invention of the stirrup, knights emerged in Europe as a warrior class that doubled as both rulers and fighters. When knights died, their sons inherited their land and position in society (Comshaw-Arnold, 2014). This led to much of Europe becoming ruled by decentralized feudal lords. These lords made agreements and designed contracts to establish power. Lords that became more powerful absorbed the lesser lords and their territories leading to the lesser lords becoming vassals (Nelson, 2017).   Just like today!  The rich become richer and are the only ones who could hold land.

Feudalism spread throughout Europe and was the dominant social and political structure used up until the end of the fourteenth century. Charles Martel’s decision to give land to professional fighters in exchange for their military service is the origin of this political system. These landowners became local lords and knights that made up the class of nobility. The invention of the stirrup increased the value of the nobility as mounted cavalry became essential to winning battles.

THE MARRIAGE OF CHURCH AND STATE

The Middle Ages were filled with powerful and noble kings. When Charles Martel ruled the Franks, he was considered one of the most noble kings to reign. Many wondered what would become of the Frankish kingdom when he was gone. Little did they know the most majestic king of the Franks was yet to come. Charlemagne, the son of Charles Martel was one of the most renowned kings ever. In his time, religion was tightly interwoven with society, especially with political power.  Charlemagne used the divine right of kings to reunite Europe through military power, technological advancements such as medicine, currency and the central church.

Charlemagne has always been considered one of the greatest military leaders of all time. Much of his strength came from his loyal army who dared not question his commands. His greatest enemies were the Saxons. His war on Saxony lasted from 772 to 804 B.C. (Sullivan, 2020). The Franks’ advantage came in the military genius of Charlemagne. He utilized elaborate combat strategy that overwhelmed the Saxons over time. The Saxons were simply fighting for survival. Their survival could not last against the Frankish army (Mayr-Harting, 1996). Charlemagne’s legacy grew over his years of war. He won countless battles, but none more famous than the battle of Roncevaux, in which the famous Song of Roland was born. In this poem, Charlemagne prayed that the sun would stand still so that he could fight on and win the day: “As he prayed, it was done, and he fought to victory” (O’Hagen, 1910). Tales like these set Charlemagne apart as the greatest hero during his reign.

Charlemagne built his fame as he made way for technological advancements to be produced throughout his kingdom. He saw that technology was a great unifier across all cultures, as it allowed people to work together more efficiently. One of the biggest industries being advanced in the Frankish kingdom during Charlemagne’s reign was medicine. Charlemagne was believed to be one of the first kings who investigated legal medicine by holding physicians accountable for dangerous or even deadly medicines they sold to their patients (Brittain, 1966). Charlemagne implemented a Frankish currency by looking to the past for advice. In earlier times, the Romans united their conquered lands by creating a consistent currency, and Charlemagne realized this would contribute greatly to unifying his land (Sullivan, 2020). From this implementation of a central currency, the Franks prospered.

In addition to unifying his kingdom, Charlemagne also centralized the Church. After Constantine’s rule declared Christianity (ROMAN CATHOLICISM)  as the official religion of the Roman Empire, those involved in the Church began to gain power (Little, 2020). Charlemagne understood this dynamic and used it to his own advantage. He strongly believed that God chose to give him unlimited power over his kingdom – the divine right of kings. His power only grew when he was proclaimed the first Holy Roman Emperor by the Pope on December 25, 800 in Rome (Grabois, 1981). Charlemagne executed this authority ruthlessly, but justly. He did not tolerate contempt or defiance, but he showed gratitude and kindness to his loyal citizens.

Central Europe advanced in numerous ways during Charlemagne’s reign, and he is still considered as the great king who united Europe (Whitney, 2004). Charlemagne built himself a renowned legacy for his strength and justice to his people. He applied the divine right of kings to reunite Europe through military power, technological advancements, and centralizing the power of the Roman Catholic Church. His technological advancements of medicine and agriculture helped to unify the kingdom and provide opportunity for prosperity.

TECHNOLOGICAL AND HEALTH ADVANCES

The Medieval era spanned throughout the year 476 to the 1600’s, changing the way the European society functioned and developed, especially agriculturally. In much of European history, farming dominated the economy. During earlier years, much of the farming community relied on field workers or animals, particularly oxen, to plow farmland. During the Medieval era, the migration of many people into central Europe caused a large population influx, leading to a higher demand for food and commercial goods to be produced. This inflation caused a major change in agricultural techniques that allowed for a more efficient cultivation of land. The harnessing of non-traditional animals, especially horses, provided a much more powerful and efficient standard to farming during the Medieval period.

In the Medieval era, the harnessing of animals for farming uses was relatively uncommon, with only the oxen being a popular plow animal. The use of oxen as draft animals allowed for more efficient plowing than by hand, since oxen were known as being sturdy and reliable farm animals. However, during the major migration period and the inflation of central European society between the years 1050 and 1200, there was a higher demand than ever for food to sustain the population (Noble, 2016). Although oxen were reliable and powerful draft animals, horses were known to have much higher stamina and overall strength. Because of this, people began using horses as draft animals who proved to be more efficient tools in farming (Noble, 2016). By employing the horse as a draft animal, farms and fields were able to be more easily managed and more food was able to be harvested.

The development of many different types of agricultural technologies allowed for easier production, harnessing, and cultivation of the land (Wigelsworth, 2006). The harnessing of draft animals, especially horses, during the Medieval era allowed for a much more efficient farming technique. Horses could more easily plow larger and harsher lands than the previously employed oxen (Noble, 2016). This allowed for land that had been thought to be too rough to be used as farmland, which could then be harvested to feed the growing society in central Europe. Additionally, the use of horses as working farm animals allowed farmers to begin to employ other animals like sheep and cattle to graze, which helped grow the European economy based on the demand for animal products (Hubbard, 2011). This allowed Medieval Europe to both grow within their own agricultural community as well as making them large financial players in the world economy.

Along with agricultural progressions, another key advancement during the Medieval era was the medicinal field. During this time period, physicians began to more freely experiment with different practices and medicines. For example, described as the study of eye disease and disorders, ophthalmology is a key branch of the medical field with serious implications on the success of society. In the latter part of the Medieval Period, Islamic researchers began studying ophthalmology more closely, likely with the goal of improving their medical practice, as well as solving the prevalent problem of blindness due to cataracts and trachoma. This research led to scientific discoveries that permanently revolutionized the study and treatment of eye disease. Advances in ophthalmology during the Medieval Period had an instrumental impact on society as novel surgical equipment and procedures for the resolution of cataracts and trachoma were developed, the ability to remove cataracts and heal trachoma literally opened the eyes of a significant portion of the population, and new knowledge of eye anatomy and physiology would have a significant impact on future research of eye disease.

Known during the Medieval Period as the most significant cause of disability in Islamic areas of the world, blindness was a population-wide affliction that begged a resolution (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2011). Before ophthalmological research in this period, people primarily utilized eye disease remedies suggested in 5th century B.C.E. by Hippocrates, such as restricting their diets, taking hot footbaths, and making incisions in the scalp to release the “morbid humors” of the eye (Dahn, 2018). The first significant ophthalmological research in response to this affliction began in the 800’s with a physician known as Hunayn ibn Ishaq. He authored several works detailing what was known at the time about eye disease, from which a hand-drawn image of the eye is displayed below (U. S. National Library of Medicine, 2011). This initial image demonstrates a knowledge of certain aspects of the eye, but does not include everything needed to cure blindness. Fast forward to the 13th century, research and publications on eye disease by various scientists over the years ultimately led to the surgical approach of “couching” applied to the removal of cataracts. Couching involves utilizing a probe, or needle, to poke through the edge of the cornea and move the affected lens out of the path of vision, leaving it to rest at the bottom of the eyeball.

With a success rate of 40% and many failures due to infection and glaucoma, this method of cataract removal became widely accepted, as it was the first and only solution available at the time (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2011). In addition to cataract removal, procedures were formulated for treatment of other common diseases, such as: utilizing a scraper to clear an eye infection known as trachoma (a major cause of blindness), creating a contraption of hooks used to keep the eye open when treating a vascularization of the eye known as trachomatous pannus, and developing intricate, and painful, surgical methods for resolving rolled in eyelids and ingrown eyelashes (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2011). These advances, although they may have taken some time to perfect, represented key initial steps in the development of cures for blindness. This allowed individuals previously affected with this disorder to continue working at their jobs, thus lengthening their period of opportunity to contribute to society.
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More Americans Facing Blindness Than Ever Before Report Released On One of the Most-Feared Disabilities   March 20, 2002 Epidemiology Clinical Research NEI March 20, 2002—Washington, DC—More Americans than ever are facing the threat of blindness from age-related eye disease, a new report says. Over one million Americans aged 40 and over are currently blind and an additional 2.4 million are visually impaired. These numbers are expected to double over the next 30 years as the Baby Boomer generation ages. The new report addresses the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness in the U.S., including: Diabetic retinopathy, believed to be a leading cause of blindness in the industrialized world in people between the ages of 25 and 74. Diabetic retinopathy affects more than 5.3 million Americans age 18 and older. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of blindness and vision impairment in Americans aged 60 and older. More than 1.6 million Americans over age 60 have advanced AMD. Cataract, the leading cause of blindness in the world. Cataract affects nearly 20.5 million Americans age 40 and older. Glaucoma, a chronic disease that often requires life-long treatment to control. About 2.2 million Americans have been diagnosed with glaucoma, and another two million do not know they have it.

AI Overview Learn more…Opens in new tab Yes, the number of Americans with vision loss is increasing. According to a 2021 study published in JAMA Ophthalmology, more than 7 million people in the United States have uncorrectable vision loss, including over 1 million who are blind. The study also found that 20% of people aged 85 and older experience permanent vision loss.

Vision loss and age Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (.gov) May 15, 2024 Approximately 12 million people 40 years and over in the United States have vision impairment. This includes 1 million with blindness. As of 2012, 4.2 million Americans aged 40 or older have uncorrectable vision impairment. This number is predicted to more than double by 2050. The US has a rapidly aging population, which means more people living with diabetes and other chronic conditions which can lead to vision loss. Approximately 6.8% of children under 18 in the US have a diagnosed eye and vision condition. Nearly 3% of children under 18 years have blindness or vision impairment. This is defined as having trouble seeing even when wearing glasses or contact lense

Young children are facing an epidemic of vision loss, experts say. What’s behind the surge in myopia? Too much time spent indoors and an addiction to technology has meant more and more kids are nearsighted today, experts say. Can we reverse course? Updated April 1, 2024 at 10:37 a.m. April 1, 2024 The vision disorder has risen dramatically in recent years, projected to impact half the world’s population by 2050 — and our youngest generations will bear the brunt of the burden, eye doctors tell the Star.The disease currently affects around 30 per cent of the Canadian population, according to the Canadian Association of Optometrists. In the U.S., myopia rates nearly doubled in 50 years from 25 per cent in 1971 to 42 per cent in 2017. Across the pond, 80 to 90 per cent of Singaporean high school graduates are now myopic, and similar rates have been seen in China, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. If current trends continue, the world will have 4.76 billion people with myopia by 2050 — about half the projected global population that year, studies show. Ten per cent of the total population, or nearly a billion people, will have high myopia by then. By definition, these people will have “far worse” unaided visual acuity than the threshold for blindness.

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The newfound ability of surgeons to treat cataracts and trachoma, two of the most common causes of blindness in the Medieval Period, was a revolutionary step for society. Individuals that had previously been limited by an inability to see were suddenly granted the ability to transition back to their lives before the disorder. According to Savage-Smith, the medieval world “afforded few means of livelihood for a blind person”(2000). For example, if an architect had suffered from a progressive or sudden onset of blindness, it would have been nearly impossible to continue working in this field without the ability to draw or visualize the construction of a building. With blindness cured in a considerable amount of the population due to surgical advances, it can be assumed that these individuals, along with individuals of numerous other professions, were able to return to their jobs and continue making advances in technology, science, art, and innovation. Not only did curing blindness allow a greater proportion of the population to contribute to society, but it also laid the foundation for improved societal health and future advances in medicine.

With improved surgical procedures in ophthalmology came an expanded knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the eye. As previously mentioned, Hunayn ibn Ishaq played a key role in the foundation of ophthalmology, and his work on Ten Treatises of the Eye placed all that was known about the human eye during his time into one document (Lin, 2008). Following Hunayn, the tenth century brought a new work, titled Memorandum Book for Oculists, written by Ali ibn Isa, which became the standard, widely-recognized source of information for ophthalmologists for several centuries to follow. These Arabic works, along with several more, were later passed on to European nations, essentially laying the foundation of ophthalmology not only for Arabic societies, but for the rest of the world (Lin, 2008). The dedicated research carried out by Islamic ophthalmologists in the Medieval Period involved hard work, attention to detail, and “clinical trials” of sorts, which resulted in a new medical body of knowledge that was shared with the world, ultimately improving all of humanity’s medicine, health, productivity, and contributions to society.

Advances in ophthalmology during the Medieval Period had an instrumental impact on society as novel surgical equipment and procedures for the resolution of cataracts and trachoma were developed, the ability to remove cataracts and heal trachoma opened the eyes of a significant portion of the population, and new knowledge of eye anatomy and physiology would have a significant impact on future research of eye disease. These advances not only improved the general health of the population, but also permitted many individuals suffering from blindness to be healed and return to their previous role in society. Overall, the world’s body of medical knowledge grew, societal health improved, and the result was more opportunity for individuals to contribute to and improve upon science, technology, and society.

Along with evolving medicinal practices, overall general health was a significant part of medieval community standards. Medicines and hygienic techniques were able to be practiced more freely during this time period, allowing for experimentation and new ideas to flourish. Although not all of the hygiene practices worked, those that did resulted in beneficial outcomes. Certain substances cured wounds and served as the first forms of antibiotics. One example that worked as a type of antibiotic was penicillin, found in certain types of moss. Although society did not know the exact reason why the antibiotic worked, they recognized its beneficial properties and appreciated the cure. Through its use, the penicillin antibiotic worked to save many lives during the Middle Ages. Another substance that held medicinal factors was honey, used throughout the Medieval era for its beneficial health properties. Although not known at the time, honey has natural antibacterial properties to it, and when applied to an open wound, could save a life.

Along with these simple forms of antibiotics, another huge success in the world of hygiene during the Medieval period was dentistry. Archeologists have found that those living in this time period have on average 20% tooth decay in comparison to 90% of

those who came before the medieval period (O’Neill, 2017). As a societal norm, having fresh breath and attractive teeth was imperative. As a result, rough linens and mixtures with cow bones were used to keep teeth clean. If a tooth began to rot or deteriorate, it was simply removed to decrease further decay.

Although several forms and practices of hygiene provided great benefits to Medieval society, not every experiment worked. Because of the society-wide desire for cleanliness and good presentation, drastic measures were taken to attempt any beauty improvements.  With this in mind, the Middle Ages experimented with new creations of makeup and other unique beauty trends. Although coined as the “Dark Ages”, both women and men wanted to look their best. An example of beauty attempts can be found in The Trotula: A Medieval Compendium of Women’s Medicine (Green, 2013). One of the biggest makeup “failures” of the Middle Ages was the use of lead and other harmful substances. The recipes found in this book called for many local and healthy ingredients, like herbs and animal products,  as well as imported substances like frankincense, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, galangal. However, many of the recipes required several harmful mineral substances including  arsenic,  quicksilver, sulfur, natron, and lead. These harmful minerals can ultimately cause damage to an individual and destroy the skin from the outside- in. For example, it is popularly believed that these beauty minerals were the cause of Queen Elizabeth I’s madness and untimely death.

Although not every hygienic or medicinal practice worked out, it is important to recognize those that did. From the small, simple antibiotic practices to the large-scale dentistry and makeup used during the Medieval era, society saw progression and benefits in overall health and wellness. The early forms of the antibiotics were simple but effective in preventing wounds from infection and sicknesses from severe. Dentistry helped to keep individuals in good health and in good presentation. The makeup used at the time may have been dangerous, but it provides a significant insight into the societal norms and the culture at that time.

Although the physical objects and practices of the Medieval period often gain much acknowledgement, a key aspect of the era was time. Despite not being a concrete object or practice, time was an important factor of Medieval society. During the early Middle Ages, time was inaccessible and the only hint was signaled by a church bell ringing or the casting of shadows. This all changed with the invention of the mechanical clock. Previous time telling inventions, church clocks, and the mechanical clocks all affected society by contributing to stricter schedules for workers and changing the societal view of time in the Medieval Era.

A few time telling devices came before the development of the mechanical clock. The first of which were sundials. Sundials are the oldest known devices used to measure time, measuring time-based on the distance and rotation of the sun. These devices are also known and celestial timepieces. The next time telling device was the hourglass, which were mostly used in ship navigation and to regulate clergy meetings. Although navigation of a ship seems impossible by an hourglass, it is said that the “sand clocks had some relative value in approximating longitudinal position” (Balmer, p. 620) and were helpful in regulating seamen’s watches. The final invention leading up to the creation of the mechanical clock was the water clock. The water clock was made up of a vertical tank that water flowed into. The rising water level indicated what time of day it was. Water clocks, like mechanical clocks, also had dials and gears, but they were less accurate than mechanical clocks.

Before the invention of the mechanical clock, church clocks in the Medieval era were the most accessible form of telling time for much of society since churches were often built in the center of a city or town. Before the clock, church bells rang out, but not all hours of the day, and they were impossible to hear on a voyage at sea. Additionally, they were not completely accurate. This is shown by Enstam (2017) when she says “Whatever their social roles, the bells of the town clocks tolled the half- and quarter-hours as closely as their builders could manage, usually within fifteen minutes either way.” The church bells helped to regulate the daily life of workers, as they could tell whether it was the first or the fifth hour by counting the clock bells throughout the day, but often provided little accuracy. This all changed once the mechanical clock was developed.

Weight-driven devices, like the water wheel, and other time indicators existed in earlier societies, but a mechanism called escapement only appeared in the last third of the 13th century. This mechanism was the key technological novelty that allowed for the construction of the first mechanical clock (Alvarez, 2017). Escapement is “the balance wheel on a watch or the pendulum on a grandfather clock”(Lienhard, n.d). This ticks in a steady motion and allows gears to move forward in a series of little jumps. The mechanical clock was able to provide Medieval society with more accurate time-telling resources. By doing so, society was able to function and progress more efficiently and productively.

After the mechanical clock was invented in the 14th century, the societal view of time was changed (Forever). The newfound accessibility of time made it easier to synchronise schedules. With the invention of the mechanical clock, society was able to perform tasks on schedules and people were able to make plans at a concrete time. Additionally, workers schedules became more defined. Enstam (2017) states that before the mechanical clock, “The masons’ workday was loosely defined, beginning as soon in the morning as they could see to “work skill- fully” and stopping with the coming of evening.” Now, the mechanical clock prompted when it was time to wake up, end a workday, eat meals, and go to sleep.

The mechanical clock was also able to tell time more accurately than any of the previous time telling inventions. This made estimating longitude on ships a lot more reliable (Bradbury & Collette, 2009). Since discovering that time could be broken into smaller pieces, like minutes and seconds, society began to wonder what other aspects of time could be broken down. This sparked a lot of curiosity and was one of the main motivators behind the Age of Travel and Trade.

By having access to accurate measurements of time, Medieval society was revolutionized by the mechanical clock. The inventions leading up to the mechanical clock and the change in societal view of time led to progression towards more accurate technology. The mechanical clock provided Medieval societies with the opportunity to create schedules and work around more accurate telling of time. Without the invention of the mechanical clock, society might have not been able to advance as quickly as it did.

CONCLUSION

The religious and political systems of the medieval world allowed for periods of stability in many regions where advancements in science and technology could be made. People developed new ways to handle agriculture, medicine, and hygiene. Being able to warm homes during the winter months with chimneys and tracking time with a mechanical clock were also products of technological advancements made throughout the medieval era. Science and technology during this period had a great influence on society then and its influence is still relevant today.

Were you paying attention?  Did it all sound familiar?  Seems that everything medieval Europe was facing we are facing today.  The World situation has not changed.  Technology has definitely increased, but where has it gotten us, what has it bought us?  

I strongly suggest you view the following related link to gain some more insight on what was happening during the Industrial Revolution of the 1600-1800s:

VICTORIAN ERA

We are once again walking through the same circumstances, and we once again have a Carolingian King.  A king from the same family as Charlemagne and his father Charles Martel.  Talk about history repeating itself.

Science and Technology have managed to chase God out of society.  With no Guidelines to follow, no plumb-line to mark our balance/our goal… Society is lost.  God’s Commandments are the Guidelines and JESUS CHRIST is the PLUMBLINE!!  When we live according to God’s Word, we can count on HIM to get us through.  Christ paid the price so that we could be free and walk by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Free from the bondage to sin and free from anything that hinders us from walking in what GOD has for us.  Without GOD… we are LOST, so lost we don’t even KNOW WE ARE LOST!!acer

Technology and science have mechanized our world.  They have taken away the one thing that gave us our humanity. That is that we were created by GOD for a purpose.  That purpose is not to spend our days making money for the rich.  GOD is the one whose Word gave us the RIGHT to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.  When we take God out of the picture… we become nothing more that dumb animals.  Fodder for the Rich.  

Do you call any of that progress… I DON’T.  All of it only benefits the ones who make their money off the labor of others.  Society was much better when it was focused on the Family.  Everyone labored in their own field to make a life for themselves and their loved ones.  People who were of like mind banded together for mutual protection and to share the workload.  Life flowed at a natural pace with much less stress and tension.  Everyone maintained their own sovereignty.  Families worked together, ate together, played together.   Those who loved the Lord, trusted him for their health and well being.  

NOW, in a world already devoid of everything that is decent and honorable, we are facing complete collapse and utter destruction.  People are desperate once again.  No jobs, no income, no food, no housing…  people will do anything just to stay alive.  

That is where we are today.  As evidence by this latest news out of Massachusetts.