Genre:

Extract, Travelogue

Publications extracted:

Menu von Minutoli 1827

Subjects:

Race, Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Quackery, Faith, Miracle, Superstition

    Reports a general conviction among the 'Orientals' that all Europeans 'have a knowledge of medicine and necromancy'. Observes that it is 'easy to acquire the reputation of an able physician', and reports: 'the really skilful medical man who accompanied us during our tour in Upper Egypt, was accustomed [...] in imitation of the celebrated Sangrado, of happy memory, to administer only the most simple remedies, which never failed to produce a prompt and marvellous effect'. (167) The reference is to Dr Sangrado, a quack doctor in Alain R Le Sage's novel Gil Blas, who prescribed warm water and bleeding for every ailment.