Naukowy wymiar nowożytnych teorii medycznych i ich postrzeganie przez pryzmat racjonalności badacza jako problem poznawczy
A scientific dimension of astrology and a theory of signatures and sympathy in early modern treatment

Summary/Abstract: A doctrine of humors was not a coherent and uniform theory. It consisted of various elements and views, most of which currently are considered as incorrect. Significant change and development of medicine in the 19th century, as well as intensive development of science within last two centuries allowed to falsify many assumptions and hypothesis presented as basics of the doctrine of humors. As they are not compatible with a current scientific paradigm, they are considered not as an element of former, past knowledge, but as a part of magical thinking and magical practices. Perception of following elements of past scientific discipline: astrology, theory of signatures, and sympathy as melted with magic hinders proper understanding of a past treatment procedures. The paper discusses this issue, considering the perception as a probable obstacle in research and interpretation of the past.

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