The Renaissance, i.e. return to the antique values in the field of culture, is one of the most significant but also the most dramatic periods in history, where figures related to medicine sometimes came to the fore. The term itself did not reflect all the controversy of that period, when the citadel of feudalism cracked and receded, and representatives of the new class, the bourgeoisie, rushed forward. Nominally, this period is considered to commence in late 15 - early 16th century. However, we would discuss a short but eventful historical period of 200-250 years, chronologically included in the early and late Middle Ages and the forerunner of the New Age.
It is a general idea, which, unfortunately, is recorded in many textbooks, that the early Middle Ages were characterized by entire domination of the church, rampant Inquisition, and persecution of the greatest minds of that time. On the one hand, it is true. Indeed, the fires of the Holy Inquisition were blazing and hundreds of heretics and witches were burned, including M. Ser-vetus, Jan Hus, and G. Bruno. The outstanding anatomist, A. Vesalius, was sentenced to death. In fact, he died on the way from Jerusalem. The great Galilee and many others barely escaped the death sentence. But at the same time this epoch is known for great geographical discoveries. In 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered America. Six years later, Vasco da Gama went around Africa and reached India by water way from Europe in 1519-1521. Ferdinand Magellan circumnavigated the globe. These discoveries expanded the framework of the European world and contributed to the development of trade, en-
riched people with new knowledge, including new drugs, medical and other techniques.