In the general scheme of the universe, 400 years is an insignificant window of time. From the standpoint of scientific and technological advancements, however, 400 years is an eternity. In the Elizabethan era (16th and 17th century), doctors, and patients alike, were not privileged with the security of health much like we are in today's times. In fact, scurvy, a disease resulting from a vitamin c deficiency, killed an estimated two million sailors during the Elizabethan era (Drymon, 114). Death from scurvy in today's world is practically unheard of, as treatments for such diseases are both simple and effective.
But how has the history of treatments for human mental health progressed? Exponentially, to say the least. With the introduction of scientific research to health care in the early 17th century, our understanding of the human body and mind furthers with every passing year. As a result, a number a fields regarding mental health have stemmed from the idea, resulting in mental health doctors and nurses, psychologists, and many other helpful resources for the mentally ill. But how were the mentally ill treated before the introduction of mental health specialists? And just how effective were the techniques that date back hundreds of years ago? This web page serves to provide information on the treatment for madness in the Elizabethan era, and just how effective or logical these procedures were using today's knowledge.
But how has the history of treatments for human mental health progressed? Exponentially, to say the least. With the introduction of scientific research to health care in the early 17th century, our understanding of the human body and mind furthers with every passing year. As a result, a number a fields regarding mental health have stemmed from the idea, resulting in mental health doctors and nurses, psychologists, and many other helpful resources for the mentally ill. But how were the mentally ill treated before the introduction of mental health specialists? And just how effective were the techniques that date back hundreds of years ago? This web page serves to provide information on the treatment for madness in the Elizabethan era, and just how effective or logical these procedures were using today's knowledge.