English almanacs, astrology and popular medicine, 1550–1700 Louise Hill Curth.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Curth, Louise Hill, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Medicine, Popular--History--17th century.

Medicine, Popular.

Medicine, Popular--History--16th century.

Medical literature--History--17th century.

Medical literature.

Medical literature--History--16th century.

Medical astrology--History--17th century.

Medical astrology.

Medical astrology--History--16th century.

Almanacs--History--17th century.

Almanacs.

Almanacs--History--16th century.

Genre:

Electronic books.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (296 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Manufacture:

Baltimore, Md. : Project MUSE, 2020

Place of Publication:

Baltimore, Maryland : Project Muse, 2018

Summary:

Early modern almanacs have received relatively little academic attention over the years despite being the first true form of British mass media. While their purpose was to provide annual information about the movements of the stars and the corresponding effects on Earth, most included advice on preventative and remedial medicine for humans and animals. Based on the most extensive research to date into the relationship between the popular press and early modern medical beliefs and practices, this study argues that these cheap, annual booklets played a major role in shaping contemporary medicine in early modern England. The book discusses the various types of medical information and advice in almanacs, preventative and remedial medicine for humans, and the under-explored topic of animal health care.

Contents:

part I. Setting the scene

1. Medical marketplace, popular medicine and print culture

2. Genre of almanacs

3. 'Students of astrology and physick': the authors

4. 'Courteous Readers': the target audience

part II. Structures of practice and knowledge

5. Astrology and popular culture

6. Astrology and physick

7. 'To keep out disease': preventative medicine

8. 'A putting to and a taking away': non-commercial remedial medicine

9. Nostrums for sale: advertising and almanacs

10. 'The care of the brute beast': almanacs and medicine for animals

pt. III. Conclusion

Bibliography of surviving almanacs 1550-1700.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 246-275) and index.

"Bibliography of surviving almanacs 1550-1700": pages 236-245.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

1-5261-2986-8

OCLC:

1085607947