Monthly Archives: December 2019

Medieval principles of magic

Posted on December 8, 2019 by Ruth

As discussed in earlier entries, natural magic and “magical” magic were very much blurred in early times, when every principle of nature seemed like magic. Magnetic stones were magic, and so was garlic’s power against infections. The stars had magic … Continue reading →

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Funding and reforming medieval hospitals

Posted on December 4, 2019 by Ruth

By the late medieval period, that is, the 13th-15th centuries, the monastic and city hospitals were often large and highly developed. The largest hospital in medieval England was St. Leonard’s in York, where 200 patients and 18 orphans were supported. … Continue reading →

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The growth of medieval hospitals

Posted on December 4, 2019 by Ruth

In the ancient world, care for the sick was presumed to be the domain of the family home. The hospital system developed for care of travelers, orphans, and the very poor. The words “hospital” and “hostel” are cognates, both derived … Continue reading →

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