Rereading the Treatments for Difficult Childbirth in the Exotic Science Texts of the Safavid Era (Case Study: Asrar Qasemi and Herz al-Amān men Fetan al-Zamān Treatises)
Tārīkh-i pizishkī (i.e., Medical History),
Vol. 17 (1404),
6 May 2025
,
Page 1-16
https://doi.org/10.22037/mhj.v17i1.45772
Abstract
Background and Aim: Manuscripts, as some of the most significant research documents and authentic works, are regarded as crucial sources for acquiring historical knowledge and are highly trusted by researchers. Accordingly, referring to ancient textual sources and extracting content related to medicine assists researchers in the process of social phenomenology. One of the fundamental issues in the social history of medicine is childbirth, which has been addressed in multifaceted texts due to its importance. This study examines supernatural treatments for the issue of dystocia (difficult childbirth) in two versions of the most renowned and credible sources on occult sciences from the Safavid era: "Asrar Qasemi" and "Herz al-Amān men Fetan al-Zamān" and analyzes them with a new approach.
Methods: This research employs an analytical method based on historical data and careful examination of primary sources from the Safavid era. To achieve this goal, manuscripts on occult sciences were revisited and studied.
Ethical Considerations: In compiling this research, principles of integrity and honesty in referencing texts, ensuring the authenticity of sources and avoiding bias in the analysis or interpretation of texts were observed.
Results: Supernatural medicine during the Safavid period was well-received due to prevailing social attitudes. Consequently, the writings of this era contain data on unorthodox medicine. The two prominent treatises of the Safavid era, "Asrar Qasemi" and "Herz al-Amān men Fetan al-Zamān", present supernatural recommendations for addressing dystocia within two distinct domains of beliefs and practices.
Conclusion: "Asrar Qasemi" treatise provides unconventional instructions involving alchemical methods, while "Herz al-Amān men Fetan al-Zamān" emphasizes the use of sacred words, prayers and the influence of Sufi movements to offer unorthodox solutions for dystocia. Specific elements to facilitate childbirth in the occult texts of the Safavid era are recommended, which involve the power of letters and sacred phrases, often presented in the form of written talismans or ingestible substances for the pregnant woman.
- Difficult Childbir
- Occult Sciences
- Paranormal Medicine
- Safavid Medicine
How to Cite
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