Medical Case Studies (Consilia Medica) of the Early Modern Period

Consiliaplayed an important role in not only medieval but also early modern professional health literature. A literary 'consilium' consisted of a written statement of one particular case, including the patient's condition and disease as well as advice concerning medical treatment. In the sixteenth century, consilialiterature was a common component of the practices of many eminent physicians. This is illustrated through an analysis of consiliafrom twenty-two different collections and...
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Consiliaplayed an important role in not only medieval but also early modern professional health literature. A literary 'consilium' consisted of a written statement of one particular case, including the patient's condition and disease as well as advice concerning medical treatment. In the sixteenth century, consilialiterature was a common component of the practices of many eminent physicians. This is illustrated through an analysis of consiliafrom twenty-two different collections and anthologies by fifteen selected authors, who represent university professors, personal physicians, and urban physicians from early modern Italy, France, and German-speaking Central Europe. A closer look at nearly 7,000 consiliashows how important a link they were within the medical community. A detailed view of consiliaintended for patients suffering from the 'French disease' reveals details about, for instance, the most common treatments for syphilis - mercury and guaiacum - alongside many other interesting and important details.