ople that believed this said that it was because the conjunction of Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars in the sign of Aquarius. This caused hot, moist conditions that forced the earth to exhale poisonous gas. It was mostly Professors that came up with this theory. (Nardo 20)Along with the theories for the reason for the plague there was also many theories on how to treat it. They did realize that the plague was contagious. They ordered quarantines in some cases. The quarantines were ineffective though because the rats could still carry the disease. There were also certain sanitation ordinances that were embarked upon the people. In direct response to the theory that Jews were poisoning the wells, many Jews were murdered. The Jews who were accused of this action were burnt for it. Professors offered some advice to the public. They said that people shouldn't eat poultry, waterfowl, pig, old beef, or fish. They also said not to sleep during the day, not to bath, not to get too much exercise, and not to cook in rainwater. People burnt incense, rang the church bells, fired cannons and experimented with charms and spells from the local talisman to try and rid the plague. Others tried to appeal to God. Groups of people called flagellants traveled from town to town whipping themselves. They would cry, "Spare us Jesus," and "Forgive us Blessed Mary." As it is none of these treatments worked. (Knox 1)Europe experienced many changes as a result of the plague. The need for labor saving devices rose because of the lack of people. This caused the inventions of many instruments that are still used today. This time was a time of "sudden and impressive" advances in the field of technology. The printing press was invented during this time. Maritime transport need less crew workers and then had more room for cargo. Medicine increased out of necessity. There were better, smarter doctors. They started implementing hands on studies, which help...
