Gilbertus Anglicus: Medicine of the Thirteenth Century
1918
Gilbertus Anglicus: Medicine of the Thirteenth Century
1918
Biographies, Health & Medicine, History - Medieval/Middle Ages
Gilbertus Anglicus: Medicine of the Thirteenth Century, written by Henry E. Handerson and published in 1918, examines the life and contributions of the 13th-century physician Gilbertus Anglicus. The work focuses on his influential treatise, the 'Compendium Medicinae,' and explores the medical practices and theories of the medieval era. Handerson's historical account sheds light on how Gilbert's insights have shaped contemporary medicine, while also addressing the gaps in historical records about his life and legacy.
About Gilbertus Anglicus: Medicine of the Thirteenth Century
Chapter Summaries
- Foreword
- The Cleveland Medical Library Association explains how Handerson's manuscript came to be published posthumously after his death in 1918. The work was originally intended for the Cleveland Medical Journal but was held back due to the author's perfectionism.
- Biography
- A detailed biography of Handerson, from his birth in Ohio in 1837 through his service as a Confederate officer, his medical education, and his career as a physician and medical historian in Cleveland. The biography emphasizes his scholarly achievements and character.
- Main Study
- Handerson's comprehensive analysis of Gilbert of England and his 'Compendium Medicinae.' The study examines biographical controversies, analyzes the content of Gilbert's medical work, and places it in historical context as a significant contribution to medieval medicine.
Key Themes
- Historical Scholarship and Research
- The work demonstrates the meticulous process of historical research, showing how scholars must weigh conflicting evidence and make reasoned judgments about the past. Handerson's careful analysis of various biographical claims about Gilbert exemplifies rigorous academic methodology.
- Evolution of Medical Knowledge
- The book traces the development of medical understanding from ancient times through the 13th century, showing how knowledge was transmitted and transformed across cultures and centuries through Arabic translations and European adaptations.
- The Unity of Medicine and Surgery
- Gilbert's work advocated for the integration of medical and surgical knowledge at a time when surgery was often relegated to barbers and empirics. This theme reflects broader questions about medical professionalization and the artificial separation of healing arts.
Characters
- Henry E. Handerson(protagonist)
- A physician and medical historian who authored this scholarly work on Gilbertus Anglicus. Born in 1837, he served as a Confederate officer in the Civil War before pursuing medicine and becoming a respected medical historian.
- Gilbertus Anglicus (Gilbert of England)(major)
- A 13th-century English physician and author of the 'Compendium Medicinae,' one of the earliest complete treatises on general medicine by an English author. His exact dates are disputed but likely lived around 1180-1250.
- Hubert Walter(minor)
- Archbishop of Canterbury and great Justiciar who died in 1205. Gilbert served as his physician according to early biographers.
- Roger of Parma(minor)
- A distinguished professor at Salernum and pioneer of modern surgery whose 'Chirurgia' was completed around 1230. Gilbert borrowed extensively from his surgical writings.
- Samuel W. Kelley(minor)
- Member of the Cleveland Medical Library Association's Committee on Publication who helped prepare Handerson's posthumous work for publication.
