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Salerno

By Madeline L. Salerno was a university in northern Italy that was founded in the Middle Ages. It was one of the first universities in Europe and one of the first medieval university that had an official medical school. However, there are records of Salerno attracting medical professionals as early as the 900s before it hadContinue reading “Salerno”

Smallpox

By Juliana B. Smallpox is a severe and infectious disease caused by the variola virus. It is very contagious, and it can be easily spread from one person to another.[1] Smallpox kills approximately every three out of ten people infected.[2] Those who survive smallpox have permanent scars all over their bodies, especially their faces.[3]

Syphilis

By Steve E. Syphilis is a bacterial infection usually spread by sexual contact. Caused by the Treponema pallidumbacterium, the disease starts as a painless sore in the genital area, spreading from person to person via contact with these sores.[1] Currently, early syphilis can be treated with penicillin. Without receiving treatment, syphilis can damage your heart, brain, andContinue reading “Syphilis”

The Columbian Exchange

By Nicole M. Around 175 million years ago, Pangea, a “supercontinent” made up of all the modern continents existed. This “supercontinent” eventually broke apart, creating two ecologically, biologically, and culturally diverse worlds. Europe, Asia and Africa were on one side, and the Americas on the other. Neither side knew the other existed until 1492. A merchant, ChristopherContinue reading “The Columbian Exchange”

Modern Plague

By Sophia G. Though revolutionary modern technology and protocols have helped to combat the spread of plagues and epidemics, there are still parts of the world that experience outbreaks of disease. The United States Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) releases their peer-reviewed journal Emerging Infectious Diseaseswith each case of disease outbreak around the world,Continue reading “Modern Plague”

Boccaccio and The Decameron

By Francesca S. The opening line of The Decamerongives a succinct overview of the plot of the work and alludes to Boccaccio’s own opinion on the significance of The Decameron: “Here begins the book called Decameron, otherwise known as Prince Galahalt, wherein are contained a hundred stories, told in ten days by seven ladies and three young men.”[1] BoccaccioContinue reading “Boccaccio and The Decameron”

Saint Roque

By Sally B. According to an anonymous and undated Acta Breviora, St. Roque was born in Montpellier around 1295 as the only son of a wealthy governor. Deeply pious since his youth, St. Roque later “gave his inheritance to the poor, [and] handed the government of the city over to his uncle” after the death ofContinue reading “Saint Roque”

Constantinus Africanus

By Charlie A. Contrary to what preconceptions we have regarding the misnomered “Dark Ages,” the Middle Ages in Europe and the Mediterranean was a rich era full of advancements in all areas of life. The Muslim caliphates in particular oversaw great advancements in medicine. If it was not for the translation work of monks suchContinue reading “Constantinus Africanus”

Ibn Sina (Avicenna)

By Chris K. Avicenna was a Persian physician who significantly contributed to medical developments in the Middle East and Europe, earning the title, the “Father of Modern Medicine.”[1] He was born in Bukhara, Iran, which is now a part of Uzbekistan. His education began at a young age and, according to his autobiography, he memorized the wholeContinue reading “Ibn Sina (Avicenna)”

Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi (Al-Rhazes)

By Sam A. Although the Middle Ages are commonly thought of as a “European” phenomenon, much of the advancement and learning that occurred during this era was due to the preservation of classical learning and development of new scholarship by the Islamic world. In fact, Islamic medicine and medical practice was key to the ongoingContinue reading “Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi (Al-Rhazes)”