Through the Darkness: Glimpses into the history of western medicine - Paperback

by Monica-Maria Stapelberg (Author)

The fascinating history of medicine in Europe is filled with curious, often bizarre, strange, and gruesome cures, enthusiastically espoused by physicians and other medical practitioners of the times. Repulsive and disgusting examples of 'medications' often dominated treatment directives and many proposed cures were all but useless, highly dangerous and even lethal.

This book explores compelling, and at times shocking facts, offering select glimpses into the journey of Western medicine 'through the darkness'. Guaranteed to astound, interest and occasionally make one shudder at what constituted orthodox therapeutic observances of the past, the author highlights diverse medical practices, as well as dreaded diseases.

Ever mindful of not lapsing into what historians have called 'the enormous condescension of posterity', the book serves as an exposition on the 'growing pains' of a field born of supposition, and reared in a milieu of theocracy and superstition, before finally emerging as the modern science of medicine we know today.

Author Biography

Dr. Monica-Maria Stapelberg has been employed at various universities for many years as a lecturer in history of literature, as well as medieval languages, medieval history and cultural studies. Since retiring from academia, she has had three books published, aimed at the popular market. Monica lives on the east coast of Australia with her family.