Practioners
This licensed practioner often apprenticed with a barber or butcher.
What is a chirurgeon?
Prior to the Enlightenment, this 2nd century theory by Galen dominated European medicine.
What are the Four Humors?
One of the most common medical treatments, this was offered by both chirurgeons and physicians.
What was blood-letting?
A store of a single harvested and preserved botanical material is known by this term.
What is a "simple"?
Between 1500 and 1800, hospitals largely disappeared in England because of this Reformation policy.
What was the Dissolution of the Monasteries?
A medical practice considered inappropriate for men in the 17th century.
What was midwifery?
Colonists were much less likely to die of illness or injury after this condition was met.
What was "seasoning"?
To rebalance the humors, some healers provided more of whatever the body was missing through this daily practice.
What is diet?
A paste made of powdered herbs and honey (or sugar), to be applied to the mouth, teeth, or gums.
What is an electuary?
Before the American Revolution, this disease caused more epidemics in the colonies than any other.
What is measles?
One who prescribes herbs, makes medicines, & gives medical advice.
What was an apothecary?
Widely feared & opposed, Dr. Boylston of Boston proved innoculation against this disease drastically reduced mortality.
What is small pox?
Equal quantities of beer, yeast & honey, boiled to consistency of honey, applied hot to the place grieved.
What is a cure for a sprain?
Herbs, seeds, or other compounds are mixed with a fat or oil to make this topical preparation.
What is an ointment?
Housewives often kept a bound book of recipes for food preparation & storage, as well as recipes for these preparations.
What are "remedies"?
These medical practioners were educated in the classics, science, and divinity.
What were physicians?
In the early 17th century, this theory blamed “bad air” and foul smells for the spread of disease.
What was the Miasma Theory?
This treatment, often fatal, was used into the early 20th century to relieve pressure from accumulated fluid in chest or abdominal cavities.
What was tapping?
This popular 17th century cure-all was made from brandy, wine & celandine juice infused with sweet spices & herbs, then distilled to a cordial.
What was Aqua mirabilis, or "miracle water"?
Some historians believe this may have contributed to symptoms reported by accusers during the Salem witch trials of 1692.
What is ergot poisoning?
These medieval hospital workers were mostly friars & nuns.
Who were nurses?
In 1628, this London physician published his theory of the circulation of blood in the human body.
Who was William Harvey?
These treatments, designed to remove from the body excess humors causing disease, were harsh and patients did not always survive.
What were "heroic" treatments?
Certain biologically-active compounds used in medicines can also be lethal in this situation.
What is an overdose?
Compounds of mercury & arsenic, poisons like hemlock & nightshade, along with herbs, spices, and animal products were stored in this portable pharmacy.
What is a physic box?