This essay deals with the voice about the plague spreaders, in Naples in 1656. It shows that for a short period of time the Viceroy took advantage of this rumour in order to blame the enemies of the Spaniards for the epidemic. Did the physicians believe in that voice? Geronimo Gatta and Carlo Morexano (Severino's pupil) held different opinions as to the possibility that the plague was caused by compounds or powders. However, based on their readings and experiences, they both agreed that proximity to infected people was fatal. Furthermore, Gatta and Morexano both tried to use the resources offered by chymical experimentation and surgery. This choice is in line with what we know about the Roman context in the same period.
On the Neapolitan Plague of 1656. Expedients and Remedies
Silvana D'Alessio
2018
Abstract
This essay deals with the voice about the plague spreaders, in Naples in 1656. It shows that for a short period of time the Viceroy took advantage of this rumour in order to blame the enemies of the Spaniards for the epidemic. Did the physicians believe in that voice? Geronimo Gatta and Carlo Morexano (Severino's pupil) held different opinions as to the possibility that the plague was caused by compounds or powders. However, based on their readings and experiences, they both agreed that proximity to infected people was fatal. Furthermore, Gatta and Morexano both tried to use the resources offered by chymical experimentation and surgery. This choice is in line with what we know about the Roman context in the same period.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
