The Evil Eye, Thanatology, and Other Essays

Name: The Evil Eye, Thanatology, and Other Essays
Author: Roswell Park

By Roswell Park

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

Archaeology & Anthropology Essays, Letters & Speeches Mythology, Legends & Folklore

About This Book

A physician-scholar presents a series of essays that examine folk belief, medical history and cultural symbolism, opening with studies of the evil eye and the anthropology of fascination and superstition. He then turns to thanatology and myth, tracing serpent-myths, ritual symbolism and the links between ancient mysteries and early Christian practices. Several historical sketches profile institutions and figures, including the Knights Hospitaller and a Renaissance philosopher, while another essay sketches medieval student life. The volume concludes with focused medical histories: etymology of medical terms, the army surgeon's career, the barber-surgeon's evolution, the discovery of the circulation, and the rise of anaesthesia.

About the Author

Roswell Park

Roswell Park was an influential figure in the field of medicine, particularly known for his contributions to surgery and medical history. His notable works include "An Epitome of the History of Medicine," which provides a comprehensive overview of medical advancements, and "The Principles and Practice of Modern Surgery," a significant text in surgical education. Park also explored cultural topics in his essays, as seen in "The Evil Eye, Thanatology, and Other Essays." His writings reflect a deep engagement with both the scientific and philosophical aspects of medicine, making him a noteworthy contributor to the medical literature of his time.