A Medical Bandage in an Italian Renaissance Mummy (Naples, XVI Century)

Authors

  • Valentina Giuffra Department of Oncology, Transplants and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Division of Paleopathology, University of Pisa, I.
  • Silvia Marinozzi Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of History of Medicine, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, I.
  • Claudia Vultaggio Department of Regional Cultures, 2nd University of Naples, I.
  • Gino Fornaciari Department of Oncology, Transplants and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Division of Paleopathology, University of Pisa, I.

Keywords:

Mary of Aragon, Dressing , Ivy Leaves, Sulphur , Syphilis

Abstract

A dressing was observed on the left arm of the mummy of Mary of Aragon (1503-1568), under her precious Renaissance clothes. It consisted of a true medical bandage, covering a large syphilitic cutaneous ulcer, with a sulphur-embedded wad still in situ. The bandage has a very peculiar shape,rather different from the usual dressings described in the contemporary medical texts: a central rectangular pad, used as compressing appliance,is provided with a sort of pocket containing ivy leaves. The function of the dressing was not only to cover and protect the ulcer, but also to apply a plant drug. This is the first case of ancient medical bandage studied directly on a mummified body.    

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Published

2008-03-01

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Articles