SCAtoday.net - Medicine

Mercury found in bones of Danish monks

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:55:27 -0400

Researchers from several Danish universities have released a study of mercury levels found in the bones of monks interred in two medieval Danish cemeteries. The high levels of mercury have been attributed to the use of the metal as a medicine to treat such diseases as syphilis and leprosy or, in the case of the monks, from red ink used in the monasteries.

Did smallpox kill Gloucester Romans?

Wed, 14 May 2008 12:11:06 -0400

Experts working on the recently-discovered mass Roman grave in Gloucester, England will be using DNA tests to determine what killed over 90 individuals. A first look at the remains points to a 2nd century smallpox outbreak that swept across Britain.

[DRA] Medieval Pharmaceuticals Workshop

Thu, 8 May 2008 18:11:42 -0400

Start: 2008/05/30 - 18:00

End: 2008/06/01 - 14:00

Timezone: Europe/Berlin

description:
It is with great pleasure that I would hereby like to announce that Knights Crossing will be hosting a workshop on medieval pharmaceuticals and herbs on the weekend of May 30-June 1. Simona Valentini di Piero will be teaching how to make basic salves, essential oils and creams from primary source recipes; enjoy a walk through the fields and forest in which we will learn to identify various useful plants in their natural habitat. Learn about the equipment used and the primary sources that we have on this subject. There will be a small fee for materials and for food for the weekend, but dinner will be Potluck.

Location:
Barony of Knights Crossing (Weinheim, Germany)

Gynaecological study of Mary, Queen of Scots finds her an “adulteress and liar”

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:08:32 -0400

A new study by modern gynaecologists paints a sordid picture of the life of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, who, according to the study, was "a 'moral loose cannon', whose striking beauty and sex appeal gave Elizabeth other reasons to imprison and execute her."

Medieval "Chemists" found in Scotland

Tue, 8 Apr 2008 22:38:48 -0400

Archaeologists have discovered a 700-year-old chemists, an herb garden, which supplied the Soutra Hospital near Edinburgh, Scotland.

Black Plague selective killer

Sat, 9 Feb 2008 21:36:14 -0500

A new study of nearly 500 skeletons in a London plague cemetery proves that many of the victims had weaker immune systems when they died than normal, leading experts to believe that most who succumbed were old, sick or poor.

Columbus may have spread "social disease"

Tue, 5 Feb 2008 05:42:40 -0500

A new study claims that explorer Christopher Columbus may have been responsible for bringing syphilis to Europe. The controversial theory has been debated for years, but the new study of molecular genetics may show whether the theory is true.

"Black Death" poses a new threat

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:32:46 -0500

The plague, which once devastated the population of Europe, is on the rise again, according to experts. Around 100-200 cases are reported annually, but the disease is cropping up in new locations.

Want to get fit? Try the Authenticity Diet!

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 08:26:34 -0500

Need to take off a few pounds or kilograms from the holiday feasting? Eat like your persona! A Shropshire physician claims that Europeans in the Middle Ages were in some ways much healthier than modern people.

Guinness is good for you!

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 11:37:08 -0500

New research states that a pint of Guinness a day "may work as well as an aspirin to prevent heart clots that raise the risk of heart attacks," according to an article in the BBC.

"Domus del Chirurgo" sheds light on Roman medicine

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:33:07 -0500

For the past 17 years, archaeologists have worked at the site of the Domus del Chirurgo, the House of the Surgeon, the home of a 2nd century Roman doctor in Rimini, Italy. Among the discoveries: "the largest find of surgical instruments anywhere."

Dr. Robert Cade, inventor of Gatorade, dies in Florida

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 19:17:32 -0500

The next time you pause for a drink on the battlefield, raise your plastic jug in honor of Dr. Robert Cade, the inventor of Gatorade, who died recently of kidney failure in Jacksonville, Florida. He was 80 years old.

Infant mortality research abstract online

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 17:08:09 -0500

The News for Medievalists blog reports that a research paper dealing with the topic of infant mortality has been published in the American Journal of Physical Anthropology

Black Death still affecting British genetics

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 11:14:54 -0400

According to an article in NewScientist, the Black Death still casts a shadow over the British population by lowering the genetic diversity in the country.

Duct tape bandages

Sun, 26 Aug 2007 13:52:23 -0400

For the SCAdian or handyman who just wants to look cool: Duct tape bandages!