The Sense of Smell in the Middle Ages - A Source of Certainty (Paperback)

Odors, including those of incense, spices, cooking, and refuse, were both ubiquitous and meaningful in central and late medieval Western Europe. The significance of the sense of smell is evident in scholastic Latin texts, most of which are untranslated and unedited by modern scholars. Between the late eleventh and thirteenth century, medieval scholars developed a logical theory of the workings of the sense of smell based on Greek and Arabic learning. In the thirteenth through fifteenth century, medical authors detailed practical applications of smell theory and these were communicated to individuals and governing authorities by the medical profession in the interests of personal and public health. At the same time, religious authors read philosophical and medical texts and gave their information religious meaning. This reinterpretation of scholastic philosophy and medicine led to the development of what can be termed a medically aware theology of smell that was communicated to popular audiences alongside traditional olfactory theory in sermons. Its impact on popular thought is reflected in late medieval mystical texts. While the senses have received increasing scholarly attention in recent decades, this volume presents the first detailed research into the sense of smell in the later European Middle Ages.

General

Imprint:	Taylor & Francis
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Series:	Studies in Medieval History and Culture
Release date:	June 2021
First published:	2020
Authors:	Katelynn Robinson
Dimensions:	234 x 156mm (L x W)
Format:	Paperback
Pages:	240
ISBN-13:	978-1-03-209009-2
Categories:	Books > Medicine > General issues > History of medicine Books > Humanities > History > World history > 500 to 1500 Books > History > World history > 500 to 1500
LSN:	1-03-209009-X
Barcode:	9781032090092

Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate? Let us know about it.

Does this product have an incorrect or missing image? Send us a new image.

Is this product missing categories? Add more categories.

Review This Product

No reviews yet - be the first to create one!