In 'The Epidemics of the Middle Ages' by J. F. C. Hecker, the author delves into the medical history of the medieval period, exploring the various epidemics that plagued society during this time. Hecker's writing style is meticulous and detailed, presenting a comprehensive overview of the diseases, their symptoms, and the societal impact they had. This book not only serves as a medical text but also as a historical account of how epidemics shaped the Middle Ages. Hecker's thorough research and insightful analysis make this book a valuable resource for scholars and history enthusiasts alike. By examining the epidemics of the past, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by society and the advancements made in the field of medicine. 'The Epidemics of the Middle Ages' is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of medicine and history.
The Epidemics of the Middle Ages is a book about several great diseases which turned up and brought horror to the people of Medieval Europe. The book is divided in three parts: 1) "The Black Death" provides descriptions of the apocalyptic destruction and death rates of the 14th century bubonic plague, which wiped out whole towns in England, France and Italy. Ninety percent of city populations died; 2) "The Dancing Mania" tells of a social phenomenon involving groups of people dancing erratically, sometimes thousands at a time. Affecting thousands of people across several centuries, dancing mania was not an isolated event. However, its causes were never explained; 3) "The Sweating Sickness" was a mysterious and contagious disease that struck England and later continental Europe in a series of epidemics beginning in 1485. The last outbreak occurred in 1551, after which the disease apparently vanished.
The Council of the Sydenham Society having deemed Hecker's three treatises on different Epidemics occurring in the Middle Ages worthy of being collected into a volume, and laid before its members in an English dress, I have felt much pleasure in presenting them with the copyright of the Black Death; in negociating for them, the purchase of that of the Dancing Mania, whereof I could resign only my share of a joint interest; and, in preparing for the press these productions, together with a translation, now for the first time made public, of the Sweating Sickness. This last work, from its greater length, and from the immediate relation of its chief subject to our own country, may be considered the most interesting and important of the series.