Final answer:
The initial belief in medicine was that illness was caused by supernatural forces or divine punishment. However, over time, this belief shifted as people began to understand that diseases had natural, not supernatural, causes, and could be transmitted through various means. The Germ Theory of Disease, which states that diseases are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses, became widely accepted. Advances in science and technology, such as the development of medical instruments, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines, further contributed to our ability to prevent and treat diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The initial belief in medicine was that illness was caused by supernatural forces or divine punishment. However, over time, this belief shifted as people began to understand that diseases had natural, not supernatural, causes, and could be transmitted through various means.
The discovery of microbes during the 17th century further helped to advance our understanding of the true causes of disease. The Germ Theory of Disease, which states that diseases are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses, became widely accepted.
Advances in science and technology, such as the development of medical instruments, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines, further contributed to our ability to prevent and treat diseases.