Medieval medicine and reprodu

It is apparent that early medical writings, recognize the differences as well as

Similarities between man and women, anatomically and physiologically, with regards to reproduction, and reproductive organs. “I say that the instrument of reproduction in the woman is the womb and that it was created similar to the instrument of reproduction in the man, that is to say the penis and what goes with it. However, one of

Both doctors in the West as well as the East understood the issues of the factors that impede conception. Some doctors referred drugs or herbal medicine to attempt to remedy the problem, other doctors understood many of the problems that caused a person to be infertile, and in doing so realized them to be unfixable. Some believed that infertility was a result of a curse, or a spell. “There are people who, impeded by diabolical spells, are unable to have intercourse with their wives.” This spell can be reversed and the married couples can ounce again become fertile, and ready to conceive a child. “Bile of a male dog purifies the house and brings it about that no evil remedy be brought to the house. Sprinkle the walls of the house with the dog’s blood, and it will be liberated from every spell.” Trotula believes that infertility on a woman’s behalf is a result of her physical status. “Certain women are useless for conceiving either because they are to thin and lean, or because they are to fat. In these later the flesh folded around the opening of the womb binds it and does not allow the seed of the man to enter it. Some have a womb so soft and slippery that the seed being received cannot be retained in it” Trotula also recorded that it could also be a problem of the male, that would impede conception. “If conception be hindered because of a defect of the male it would be from a lack of force impelling the sperm, a defect of the organ, or a defect of heat.” Eastern thinking led to the belief that infertility was caused by, “An excess of yang fire manifest’s itself in the upper (part of the body), an excess of yin fire in the lower (part of the body).” There are however certain treatments that can increase vitality and virility on the male behalf. Good health is key, and a man should only engage in sexual activity when all factors are right, that is if he wants to lead a ”happy life”. These factors are as followed: “Should only cohabit when he finds himself in good health and vigor, experiences involuntary erections, which persist when he has diverted his mind to other things, is conscious of a heaviness from the loins as if the spermatic cords were being drawn and his flesh is hot.” This is the Western thought; the Eastern thought encourages in essence the same things to increase virility. “Reduce desire, avoid overexertion, restrain anger, abstain from wine, moderate diet.” Both sources four and nine encourage basic healthy practices, which modern society also practices in order to maintain health, vitality, and virility.

When comparing the treatment of Zhang Congzheng, and Zhang Gao, one realizes that they are very similar. Both treatments are very unpractical, and seem that any success would be coincidental, as though achieving the desired outcome would

Some topics in this essay:
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