Dedication.

ΤΟ

HUDSON GURNEY, ESQ. F.R.S. V.P.S.A.

&c. &c. &c.

MY DEAR SIR,

I eagerly embrace the opportunity afforded me by the publication of these pages on the Superstitions connected with the History of Medicine and Surgery, to inscribe them to one, whose varied information and powerful intellect qualify him to form so able a judgment on the subject. Had I not, however, equal assurance of the benevolent disposition of your mind as of your ability, I should fear the result of my boldness.

Whatever may be the opinion your knowledge of History and Antiquities may lead you to form of my little production, written amidst the interruptions of a professional life, it is extremely gratifying to me to have the opportunity of publicly recording with what regard and esteem,

I have the honour to be,

Your most faithful and obliged servant,

T. J. PETTIGREW.

Saville Row, Oct. 28, 1843.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

INTRODUCTION :-Value of Health-Veneration for Physicians—
Empiricism-Paracelsus; his character-The Six Follies of
Science-Speculative Conceits of Learned Men
ALCHYMY:-Origin of Chemistry-Geber-Alchymy of Egyptian
origin; evidence of it afforded by the Enchorial Manuscripts;
propagated by the Arabians-Objects of the Alchymists-
The most celebrated-Royal Alchymists-Elias Ashmole; his
"Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum '-Philosopher's Stone-
Mineral Stone - Vegetable Stone - Magical or Prospective
Stone-Angelical Stone-Secresy of the Alchymists-Eminent
Men chargeable with the folly-Girtanner's Prophecy
ASTROLOGY:-Origin of Talismans-Doctrine of Signatures-Pla-
netary Influence-Sol-Lunar Influence upon Diseases-Colours
of Substances-Gathering of Plants
EARLY MEDICINE and Surgery:—Ridiculous Speculations-Surgi-
cal Instruments-Combined Duties of Physician and Surgeon;
when separated-First Surgical Operation-Royal Egyptian
Physician wrote on Anatomy-Practice of Medicine with the
Priesthood-Supposed Celestial Influence in the production of
Diseases-Theological Anatomy-Appropriation of parts of the
Body to various Deities-Zodiacal Constellations-Hippocrates
the first Physician to relieve Medicine from the trammels of
superstition-Egyptian Esculapius-Magic and Divination-
Prohibition of Priests to practise Medicine and Surgery-
Various Decrees of Councils to effect the same-Miraculous
Cures by the Interposition of Saints-Particular Saints for special
diseases-Holy Cures-Holy Wells and Fountains-Relics of

Saints

TALISMANS:-Cabalistical Characters. Astronomical-Magical-
Mixed-Sigilla Planetarum-Hebrew Names and Characters-
Phylacteries-Characts

AMULETS:-Eastern origin-Various kinds-Grigris- Odd Num-

bers-Abraxas-Abracadabra

1-4

5-16

17-24

43-46

CHARMS-Origin of the term-Charm for Luxation; for Protec-
tion against Diseases in general; against Accidents; against
Malignant Influences-Evil Eye - Epilepsy-Convulsions and
Fits-Hysteria-St. Vitus's Dance-Madness-Palsy-Sciatica

-Lameness-Headach-Toothach-Plague-Fevers-Ague-

47-54

"But I am over-tedious in these toyes, which howsoever in some men's too severe censures they may be held absurd and ridiculous, I am the bolder to assert, as not borrowed from circumforanean rogues and gipsies, but out of the writings of worthy philosophers and physicians." BURTON.