Gilbertus Anglicus

Medicine of the Thirteenth Century

Henry Ebenezer Handerson

• Publisher: Science & Technology Publishing
• Year: 2025
• eBook ISBN: 9782528102305
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: 19th Century History

Gilbertus Anglicus: Medicine of the Thirteenth Century is a comprehensive translation and scholarly study of the Compendium Medicinae, a seminal medical text written by Gilbertus Anglicus, an influential English physician of the 13th century. This book, edited and translated by Handerson, offers modern readers a rare glimpse into the medical knowledge, practices, and beliefs of medieval Europe. The Compendium Medicinae was widely used throughout the Middle Ages and became a standard reference for physicians across Europe, reflecting the synthesis of classical, Arabic, and contemporary medical thought. The book provides detailed insights into the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases as understood in the thirteenth century, covering a wide range of topics such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and surgery. It discusses the humoral theory, the use of herbal remedies, dietary recommendations, and the importance of astrology in medical practice. The text is rich with references to earlier authorities like Hippocrates, Galen, Avicenna, and Rhazes, demonstrating the interconnectedness of medieval medical scholarship. Handerson's edition includes an extensive introduction that contextualizes Gilbertus's work within the broader history of medicine, exploring its sources, influence, and legacy. The translation is accompanied by detailed notes and commentary, making the complex medieval terminology and concepts accessible to modern readers. The book also features a glossary of medical terms, a bibliography, and an index, enhancing its value as a resource for historians, medical professionals, and anyone interested in the evolution of medical science. Gilbertus Anglicus: Medicine of the Thirteenth Century not only preserves an important historical document but also illuminates the intellectual and practical world of medieval medicine, offering a fascinating window into the challenges and achievements of physicians in a distant era.

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• E-text prepared by Suzanne Lybarger, William Flis, and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net/) from page images generously made available by Internet Archive and Canadian Libraries (http://www.archive.org/details/toronto)
• GILBERTUS ANGLICUS