Autore
Lopiccoli, Fiorella

Titolo
Francia 1679-1683: l'uso terapeutico della chinachina tra iatrochimica e iatromeccanica = 1679-1683 France: the therapeutic use of quinquina in iatrochemical and iatromechanical models
Periodico
Medicina & Storia (Online)
Anno: 2007 - Volume: 7 - Fascicolo: 13 - Pagina iniziale: 65 - Pagina finale: 93

In France during the last decades of the 17th century there was great interest in the therapeutic use of the Peruvian bark called chinchona, which had proved to be particularly efficacious against fevers. This essay specifically analyses some writings in favour of quinquina, published by a savant periodical of the time, Zodiacus medico-Gallicus. We will show that features common to both iatrochemical and iatromechanical models were involved in the construction of the theories on fevers proposed in these writings. Indeed, from the arguments of Nicolas de Blégny (1646-1722), the founder of the journal, Jacob Spon (1647-1685) and François de Monginot (the younger, born in 1625), the interaction of the concepts of particle, dimensions and movement with those of acid, salts, alkalis and fermentatio clearly emerge. Within the framework of this perspective, the presence in these authors’ writings of references to both the physiologist Thomas Willis (1671-1675) and the chemist Nicolas Lémery (165-1715) becomes highly significant. Starting out from an analysis of the natural and therapeutic characteristics attributed to quinquina, the paper shows the close connection between the support given to this new drug and the condemnation of an indiscriminate use of evacuative or cooling treatments, which were characteristic of traditional medicine.



SICI: 1828-6224(2007)7:13<65:F1LTDC>2.0.ZU;2-8
Testo completo: http://www.fupress.net/index.php/mes/article/download/10381/9587
Testo completo alternativo: http://www.fupress.net/index.php/mes/article/download/10381/9655

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