‘John Ince His Booke’: a previously unrecorded medical text of the sixteenth century

Smith, Lesley Bernadette Maria (2015). ‘John Ince His Booke’: a previously unrecorded medical text of the sixteenth century. University of Birmingham. M.Phil.

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Abstract

This thesis concerns a previously unpublished medical text, which takes the form of a manuscript note-book dating from the mid-sixteenth century. The original work is anonymous and untitled, but is known as the ‘Ince book’ after the later addition of the inscription ‘John Ince his Booke’ on the first page. The text contains 290 individual entries, all but a few of which are medical recipes. The contents of the book are considered in terms of the ailments to be treated and the range of ingredients included in the remedies, against the background of medical knowledge and practice in the period.
It is concluded that the work was compiled by a professionally trained medical practitioner, probably a physician, although it contains some ‘quack’ remedies in addition to mainstream medicine. The approach to medicine found throughout is in the Galenic tradition, although reflecting some modifications to this tradition typical of Reformation England. The exact function of the book remains uncertain, but it is suggested that the book represents working notes for an intended publication.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Phil.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Phil.

Supervisor(s):