Shakespeare's Physic

This book examines health and sickness at the time of Shakespeare and, in particular, how Shakespeare portrayed this subject in his writings. It also touches upon the related themes of myth and lore and love and death and, more specifically, the medical opinions and beliefs that influenced the treatment of ill health in the early modern period.

Beginning with a study of life in Elizabethan London, the book discusses the medical knowledge that was available to Shakespeare - some of it no doubt gleaned by him from his future son-in-law, Dr John Hall, a well respected physician of Stratford-upon-Avon. It provides a fascinating insight into some of the health problems faced by ordinary people 400 years ago, describing their illness and how they were treated and revealing the influence of deeply-rooted beliefs and superstitions.

Contents

Preface; Shakespeare's London: City of Contagion; Basic Knowledge: Correcting the Errors; Some Shakespearian Maladies; Physic: Adjusting the Humours; The Surgeon's Craft; Witchcraft, Astrology and Other Lore; Madness in Shakespeare; Shakespeare on Love; Shakespeare on Death.

History of Medicine and Medical Biography

John Crawford-Adams