Cardano’s Late Writings
In this lecture Ian Maclean explores Girolamo Cardano's late philosophy, examining his diverse works in mathematics, astrology, and medicine, and
Ptolemaic Theories in Galenic Language
This paper explores al-Farghānī’s "Elements of Astronomy", a pioneering work in theoretical astronomy which widely adopts Galenic language and theories.
Poisons, Antidotes and Emergent Properties
This lecture will analyse the various types of causation that were involved in the therapeutic use of antidotes
Plastic Forces and Medieval Theories of Generation
This lecture explores the role attributed by Albert the Great to the "virtus formativa", a plastic force that in medieval
Sickness and Healing in Byzantium
This lecture provides an overview of the medical practices offered to the citizens of Byzantium, the role of hospitals and
The Golden Wine or the Fifth Essence
This talk focuses on Rupescissa's medical alchemy and, more generally, on the development of medical alchemy in the Occitan-Catalan area.
Delaying Death
This talk examines Bacon’s alchemical theories and explains how he believed that the key to extending life lay not in
The System of Lazzaretti Reconsidered
This lecture focuses on the system of quarantine stations in the early modern Mediterranean.
From Dangerous Drug to Miraculous Medicine
In the early modern period, the consideration opium underwent a theoretical change that made it more easily usable in everyday
Education, Pre-Eugenics, and the Brain in Huarte’s “Examen De Ingenios”
How did Galenism influence education, politics, and professional selection up to the late 17th century? A relevant and clear-cut source