3 Review(s)

Handerson's book provides historical context for the medical practices of the time, examining how medicine was influenced by the prevailing theories of humors, astrology, and herbal remedies. He details how Gilbertus Anglicus synthesized the medical knowledge of ancient authorities such as Hippocrates and Galen, along with the more recent Arabic medical teachings, to create a medical compendium that covered a wide array of diseases and treatments. The Compendium Medicinae was notable for its practical advice on the diagnosis and treatment of ailments ranging from fevers and infections to surgical procedures and the use of medicinal plants.In addition to exploring Gilbertus’s work, Handerson delves into the broader medical practices of the 13th century, discussing the role of physicians, surgeons, and apothecaries, as well as the social and cultural attitudes toward medicine and health. He highlights the challenges faced by medieval doctors, who often worked with limited scientific knowledge and relied on traditional remedies passed down through generations.