Medical Writings from Early Medieval England: Volume I

The first comprehensive edition and translation of Old English writings on health and healing in more than 150 years.Unlike elsewhere in Europe, vernacular writings on health and healing had a major place in early medieval England. These texts-unique local remedies and translations of late antique Latin treatises-offer insights into the history of science and medicine, social history, scribal practices, and culture. Some cures resemble ones still used today; others are linguistically extravagant, prescribing ambitious healing practices. Alongside recipes for everyday ailments such as headaches are unparalleled procedures for preventing infant mortality, restoring lost cattle, warding off elf-shot, or remedying the effects of flying venom.Medical Writings from Early Medieval England presents the first comprehensive edition and translation from Old English of these works in more than 150 years. Volume I includes The Old English Herbal, Remedies from Animals, Lacnunga, the Peri Didaxeon, and a compendium of miscellaneous texts.