Question

Read Chapter 1 of American Eden and answer the reading questions.

1. Describe the “humoral framework” that was widely accepted by most physicians until the 18^thcentury.
2. Mercury, a toxic compound, was used to treat which ailment in the 18^thcentury?
3. The book discussed a viral outbreak of smallpox that occurred in NYC. What are the smallpox symptoms they mentioned, and how do those symptoms differ from the current viral outbreak of COVID-19?
4. How were cadavers obtained for medical research in NYC medical schools while Hosack was a student?
5. Why was Thomas Jefferson so pleased to find an abundance of sugar maple trees during his trip to New England?
6. Describe the medical uses for each of the following as discussed in Chapter 1:
   1. Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris):
   2. Menyanthes (Menyanthes trifoliata):
   3. Arborvitae trees (Thuja occidentalis):

Answer 1

1. Humoral framework - It says that any disorderness / imbalance  in four humours - blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile - can cause disease. It was believed that the person with blackbile have hot personality and would have fever, and person with too much phlegm will have angina.
2. Mercury was used in 18th centuary to treat diseases because it can cause increased salivation, which was then thought as a way to expel the disease.
3. Symptoms of smallpox - sudden onset of fever, pain in muscles, skin rashes, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Symptoms of COVID -19 - fever,dry cough, tiredness and difficulty in breathing. COVID is associated with respiratory problems while smallpox not.
4. Cadavars where obtained from graveyards for medical research in NYC medcal schools while Hosack was a student.

( As the questions for which answers are needed is not mentioned , iwill give answers to these 4 questions)