By Guest post by Elisabeth Brander Antibiotic ointments, fungal creams, and soothing lotions are frequently found in modern medicine cabinets. These kinds of treatments were also a staple of early modern medicine. During the early modern period, the most common types of topical remedies were oils, ointments (unguents), and plasters (sometimes
The monster of Kirkthorp
Stories of monstrous birth were popular in early modern England. Lots of historians have analysed the materials produced about these children and shown that the meanings attached to them changed over time. In the sixteenth century people interpreted them as a portent or omen from God. In the seventeenth century people also
Indispensable Midwives?
A Post in Honour of International Day of the Midwife 5 May 2018 is International Day of the Midwife and we’re sure not many women would want to give birth without the calm reassurance and expertise of a midwife. They were clearly indispensable to many early modern women as well.