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]
Tag Archives: Unit Two
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”
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)”
The Plague of Justinian
By John O. The “Plague of Justinian” is the name given to the disease that spread throughoutthe Eastern Roman Empire from 541-543 CE. It is named as such because it occurred during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (r. 527-565 CE), amidst his efforts to restore the glory of the Roman Empire.[1] Widespread militaryContinue reading “The Plague of Justinian”
Bald’s Leechbooks
By Jade J. Every year, everyone is expected to get checked by their doctor at least once to make sure their bodies are healthy and in good balance.[1] During the physical examination, doctors typically consult patients about their history, analyze the patient’s body functions like heartbeat and breathing, and inspect the patient’s physique, including height,Continue reading “Bald’s Leechbooks”
Galen
By Ryan H. Galen was born in the Anatolian city of Pergamon in September, 129 CE. Galen was born to influence; his father, Nicon, commanded both great wealth and a towering intellect. A scholar of math, astronomy, philosophy and literature, Nicon made sure his son was constantly learning.[1] At age fourteen, Galen began to attend lectures inContinue reading “Galen”
Hippocrates
By George M. In the interval between antiquity and the medieval period, much of the defining developments in the arts and sciences were abandoned as the world entered, begrudgingly, into an era marked by paralysis and a collective melancholy. However, the discoveries of one ancient Greek physician were never cast aside; rather, some of hisContinue reading “Hippocrates”
Plagues and Peoples: Health and Disease in Medieval Europe 