Describe the evolution of the health care system from the early prehistoric period to the present.

Health care was nearly nonexistent in prehistoric and ancient times and was characterized by the belief that illness resulted from supernatural causes. During the Middle Ages, medieval medicine was characterized by a lack of education and was often managed by religious organizations. Modern medicine developed during the Renaissance, as medicine began to be based on education instead of spiritual beliefs. During the 17th and 18th centuries, medicine was characterized by the implementation of standards for sanitation, ventilation, hygiene, and nutrition. During the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, scientific knowledge increased rapidly with greater education in the medical field.