Early Scientists

Albertus Magnus (ca. 1200–80) was a priest born in Germany,
who was educated at Padua and went on to become a fine teacher
in Paris. While a certain degree of science had been used during
the Roman Empire, Albertus was the first European to use the
scientific method. He built his theories on Aristotle and added
to these the idea that there could be the possibility of chemical
change. The church ultimately canonized him as a patron saint
of scientists.

Religious Leaders as Healers

Medieval people were taught that some illnesses were sent by God
to punish individuals or communities, and therefore, it only made
sense to turn to church leaders for help. While the medical background
and methodology of priests varied greatly, these religious
leaders offered great comfort to many who were ailing.

The Important Science of Gardening

After the collapse of Rome, city life throughout the Roman Empire
broke down and was replaced by a feudal society, with castles
and a ruling class that oppressed the peasant class. Agricultural
life dominated, but Roman farming methods were less effective
in northern Europe where the soil was less fertile and the climate
undependable.