Final answer:
The idea that only law and medicine were recognized professions historically is false; theology was also a prestigious field, and many other skilled groups existed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that historically there were only two recognized professions, law and medicine, is false. In the early modern era, universities trained students for careers in three prestigious professions: medicine, law, and theology. These institutions upheld traditions, and association with them was a sign of power and prestige, often leading to valuable connections with wealthy patrons which could support innovative research outside university settings. Additionally, there existed a broad professional class with diverse skilled groups, each with its own guild to maintain high professional standards.