Investigating the Place of Superstitious Methods and Beliefs in Safavid Medicine
Tārīkh-i pizishkī i.e., Medical History,
Vol. 12 No. 44 (1399),
10 November 2020
,
Page 1-15
https://doi.org/10.22037/mhj.v12i44.30280
Abstract
Background and Aim: Superstition as a cultural cause had penetrated into all aspects of Safavid Iranian society. The field of health and medicine was also seriously involved with superstitions and had almost penetrated into various branches of medicine. The present study aims to investigate and explain the role of superstitions in Safavid medicine and based on the sources of that period. In this research, an attempt has been made to address a cultural damage to society in the field of medicine and in a historical context.
Materials and Methods: The main tool of this research is the data of historical sources of Safavid era, which include: travelogues of Farangians, works of Safavid historians, medical texts and religious texts of that period. Research Method In this research, historical-analytical and data collection has been done by library method.
Findings: It seems that all classes and social groups in the Safavid period were involved in the issue of superstitions and superstitions in the field of medicine. The upper classes (especially physicians and the court) played a greater role in promoting these beliefs because of their influence.
Ethical Considerations: Honesty and trustworthiness have been observed in reporting and publishing materials.
Conclusion: It seems that all social classes and groups in the Safavid period were involved in the issue of superstitions and superstitions in the field of medicine. The upper classes (especially physicians and the court) played a greater role in promoting these beliefs because of their influence. The extent to which the origin and treatment of a disease (eg infertility) was unknown, the more superstitious beliefs pervaded that area. Ignorance and low level of literacy in all aspects of Safavid Iranian society has been very effective in encouraging superstitions.
Cite this article as: Mehmannavaz M. Investigating the Place of Superstitious Methods and Beliefs in Safavid Medicine. Medical History Journal 2020; 12(44): e8.
- Superstition; Safavid; Medicine; Disease; Treatment
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