Plagues, poisons and potions
Plague-spreading conspiracies in the Western Alps, c. 1530-1640
By William G. Naphy
Book Information
- Format: eBook
- ISBN: 978-1-5261-5860-4
- Published Date: February 2021
- Series: Social and Cultural Values in Early Modern Europe
Description
<i>Plagues, poisons and potions</i> highlights one of the most fascinating aspects of the history of early modern plague. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries outbreaks of plague in and around the ancient Duchy of Savoy led to the arrests of many people who were accused of conspiring to spread the disease. Those implicated in the conspiracies were usually poor female migrants working in the plague hospitals under the direction of educated professional male barber-surgeons. These 'conspirators' were subsequently tried for spreading plague among leading and wealthy people from urban areas so that they could rob them while the afflicted homeowners were confined to their beds.
In order to understand how this phenomenon developed and was regarded at the time, this study examines the courts, the judiciary and the part played by torture in the trials, which frequently concluded with the spectacular and gruesome execution of the suspects. The author goes on to consider the socio-economic conditions of the workers and in doing so highlights an early modern form of 'class warfare'. However, what makes this phenomenon especially interesting is that in an age dominated by superstition, religious strife and witch-hunts, the conspiracies were always given a moe rational explanation and motivation - profit.
Both teachers and students of early modern history will be fascinated by this enlightening study into the fears of European society, the spread of the disease and the judicial procedures of the time.
Contents
Introduction
One Geneva, plague and the first conspiracy
Two The magistrates and plague, 1542-46
Three The conspirators of 1545
Four The magistrates and plague, 1567-72
Five The conspirators of 1571
Six Spreading the phenomenin
Conclusion
Appendices
One Households infected with plague, 1542-46
Two Genevan medical practictioners, 1536-46
Three Accused engraisseurs, 1543-46
Four Magisterial participation, 1545-46 trials
Five Individuals accused of witchcraft, 1543-46
Six Geneva's plague workers, 1614-15
Seven Milan's plague spreaders: the witnesses
Bibliography
Index