The Diseases of Women by Trotula of Salerno de [MEDIEVAL MEDICINE]. Mason-Hohl Elizabeth

[Los Angeles]: Ward Ritchie Press, 1940. . large 8vo, full light brown cloth, spine faded titled in gold. The subject of this work was an Italian woman physician teaching at the University of Salerno in the 11th century, when women were able to study and work at this most progressive center of learning. Trotula's work was used for several centuries. She trained her students to observe their patients and examine them thoroughly in order to prescribe proper treatment. She taught her students to listen to their patients and ask them questions about their ailments. Trotula recommended that her patients take herbal remedies, soak in warm baths and rest to aid the healing process. Trotula also believed that people should eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and live a low stress lifestyle; she also advocated cleanliness.By the mid 1500's, women were no longer allowed to study at universities. Many early historians debated whether Trotula was a woman or if she had even existed. Without concrete biographical evidence, her manuscripts were attributed to a man. Internal research into her manuscripts led modern scholars to conclude that she had existed. Trotula was a pioneer in women's gynecology and obstetrics. She offered much advice on childbirth. She gave instructions on normal delivery, breech birth, and stillbirth. Also she advisedhow to repair tears a woman might experience during childbirth.