The Sweating Sickness A boke or counseill against the disease commonly called the sweate or sweatyng sicknesse   By: John Caius (1510-1573)

In "The Sweating Sickness: A Boke or Counseill against the Disease commonly called The Sweate or Sweating Sickness" by John Caius, readers are invited to explore the alarming and puzzling historical epidemic that struck England during the Tudor era.

Caius, a renowned physician of his time, delivers a comprehensive analysis of the Sweating Sickness outbreak that plagued the nation in the 16th century. Through his meticulous research, he uncovers the origins, symptoms, and potential cures for this baffling illness, offering readers valuable insights into the understanding of infectious diseases.

One of the book's strengths lies in Caius' engaging writing style, which effectively transports readers back to a time when England was swept with fear and confusion. He paints a vivid picture of the social and political climate of the era, highlighting the profound impact the Sweating Sickness had on society, from the royal court to common households.

Caius demonstrates a deep understanding of medicine and human anatomy, providing readers with a detailed account of the Sweating Sickness symptoms, progression, and potential complications. This thorough exploration serves as a valuable reference for medical professionals and historians alike, shedding light on an often-overlooked aspect of Tudor history.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is Caius' examination of potential cures for the Sweating Sickness. With limited medical knowledge of the time, he delves into various theories and treatments proposed by physicians and herbalists. While some may seem curious or outdated by today's standards, they offer valuable insights into the early stages of medical research and the gradual development of more effective treatments.

However, the book is not without its flaws. At times, Caius' prose can be overly technical and dense, making it difficult for non-medical readers to fully grasp certain concepts. Moreover, the absence of illustrations or diagrams hinders visual learners from fully understanding the descriptions of symptoms and anatomical references.

Despite these minor shortcomings, "The Sweating Sickness" is an undoubtedly significant historical work, shedding light on a mysterious disease that plagued Tudor England. Caius' meticulous research and comprehensive analysis make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in medical history or the impact of epidemics on society.

In conclusion, "The Sweating Sickness: A Boke or Counseill against the Disease commonly called The Sweate or Sweating Sickness" by John Caius is a thought-provoking and illuminating exploration of a devastating epidemic that shaped the course of Tudor history. With its meticulous research and engaging narrative, it offers valuable insights into the understanding and management of infectious diseases, making it an essential read for both scholars and enthusiasts of medical history.

First Page:

In this volume no attempt has been made to produce a facsimile reprint. Even if such a design had been entertained, the great variety of form in which the original editions were issued would have made it impossible to carry out the re issue with any uniformity. Obvious misprints have been corrected, but where a difference in spelling in the same work or on the same page e.g. baccalarius , baccalaureus is clearly due to the varying practice of the writer and not to the printer, the words have been left as they stood in the original. On the other hand the accents in the very numerous Greek quotations have been corrected... Continue reading book >>