Final answer:
During the 1500-1600s, medicine was influenced by religious beliefs and superstitions, while the 1700s saw a shift towards scientific and evidence-based approaches. In terms of madness, the understanding evolved from demonic possession to recognizing it as a medical condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Wear and Porter have different understandings of medicine in the respective periods they write about. In the 1500-1600s, medicine was heavily influenced by religious beliefs and superstitions. Medical treatments often involved herbal remedies, bloodletting, and prayer. However, in the 1700s, there was a shift towards more scientific and evidence-based approaches to medicine. This period saw advancements in anatomy, physiology, and the use of medicinal plants. The understanding of madness also changed over time. In the 1500-1600s, madness was often associated with demonic possession and treated with exorcisms. In the 1700s, there was a growing recognition of mental illness as a medical condition, and treatments focused on moral therapy and humane care.