RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Patienthood in medieval Tuscany: beliefs and cures
JF Medical Humanities
JO J Med Humanit
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics
SP 76
OP 80
DO 10.1136/medhum-2015-010835
VO 42
IS 2
A1 Lawless, Catherine
YR 2016
UL http://mh.bmj.com/content/42/2/76.abstract
AB This paper focuses on intersections of holy and sick bodies in the Tuscan Middle Ages to examine how the faithful accessed miraculous cures from contact with, or belief in, the relics of the saints. Rather than examine the relationship between the long dead martyrs (whose relics were abundant), however, it will look at the relationship between relatively recent saints and their devotees. The miracles discussed are traditional—that is, they are found in the lives of many saints and are not exceptional. It is hoped, however, that by concentrating on Tuscany, some insights can be secured on the relationship between Tuscan individuals of the late middle ages and those of their community who were recognised, either officially or through vox populi, as saints.