Medical competence, anatomy and the polity in seventeenth-century Rome
2007

Medical Competence and Anatomy in Seventeenth-Century Rome

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Silvia De Renzi

Primary Institution: The Open University

Hypothesis

How did physicians in early modern Rome navigate their careers amidst the cultural and political dynamics of the time?

Conclusion

The study reveals that physicians in seventeenth-century Rome were deeply intertwined with the city's political and cultural life, shaping their identities and careers through various social interactions.

Supporting Evidence

  • Faber and Mancini's careers illustrate the intersection of medicine with politics and art in early modern Rome.
  • Physicians were often involved in legal matters, serving as expert witnesses in various tribunals.
  • The study highlights the role of hospitals as key sites for anatomical investigations and medical education.

Takeaway

This study shows that doctors in old Rome didn't just treat patients; they were also involved in politics and art, which helped them become successful.

Methodology

The research involved reconstructing the careers of two physicians, Johannes Faber and Giulio Mancini, through historical accounts and analysis of their writings and interactions.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in the selection of sources and the interpretation of historical events may affect the conclusions drawn.

Limitations

The study focuses on only two physicians, which may not represent the broader experiences of all medical practitioners in Rome at the time.

Participant Demographics

The study centers on two male physicians, Faber and Mancini, who were active in Rome during the early 17th century.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1111/j.1477-4658.2007.00462.x

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