In the 18th century, the medical field was predominantly made up of men. There were three professions in this field: doctors, surgeons and apothecaries. Doctors were the largest elite of the three. 18th century doctors knew nothing. No one knew that diseases were spread by bacteria, germs and viruses. Because they did not know it, no one practiced sterilization or hygiene, hospitable and personal. In the 18th century, scientists were strongly influenced by theories. In 350 BC, Aristotle believed that everything was made of fire, earth, air and water. There was later a Greek doctor named Galen. He practiced about 500 years after Aristotle. Galen believed that the body had four elements which he called the humors. The four humors were: blood, phlegm, black bile and yellow bile. When the four elements were balanced, the body was healthy. If the body seemed to be out of balance, he would balance it by drawing the patient's blood or making them vomit. Universities did not accept many doctors for training. Training was generally offered to the upper class. For this reason, doctors were generally trained by apprenticeship. Doctors were considered highly qualified for this period. Although more doctors were trained, they were not always available. Many people lived too far away to have access to doctors. Some did not have access to it due to beliefs or social customs. At that time, women had many responsibilities. They had to take care of the household and the children. Although they did not have much training, they were doctors, nurses and pharmacists. Many women learned from their mothers using herbs and resources available. Women usually had manuals in the middle of paper......the field really started. Works Cited “Eighteenth-Century American Medicine.” American medicine of the 18th century. Np, and Web. April 21, 2014. "Physicians: physicians, surgeons, dentists and apothecaries in EnglandEdit this page." Physicians: physicians, surgeons, dentists and apothecaries in England. Family Research, December 30, 2011. Web. April 21, 2014. .Rorke, Elizabeth. “Surgeons and butchers”. Ushistory.org. Independence Hall Association, nd Web. April 21, 2014. SK, Morgan. “Welcome to the Facts 4 Me news view.” Welcome to the Facts 4 Me. NP, 2011. Web information display. April 21. 2014. .