Tag: Monk
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Essential tremor in a medieval scribe: Extracting hidden historical knowledge from the work of the Tremulous Hand
Andrew WodrichWashington DC, United States Introduction In the Middle Ages, before the ubiquity of the printing press, the act of writing and preserving the knowledge of Western Europe was promulgated primarily by monastic scribes.1 These scribes spent hours toiling away in dark rooms copying, translating, and authoring almost all of the written knowledge of their…
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Body and soul, balance and the Sibyl of the Rhine: The life and medicine of Saint Hildegard of Bingen
Mariel TishmaChicago, Illinois, United States St. Hildegard of Bingen wrote two medical texts, three books of visions and prophecies, one of the first mystery plays, songs, musical compositions, and letters. She consulted on many matters during her lifetime, including medicine. One episode involved a woman who had “gone insane.” Hildegard recommended the woman find respite…