Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
11:53
Cecal Ligation Puncture Procedure
Published on: May 7, 2011
[Physicians and surgeons during the inquisition in new Spain]
1Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Juan Badiano No. 1, Col. Sección XVI, Tlalpan C.P. 14080, México, D.F.
Gaceta Medica De Mexico
|April 2, 2003
Summary
The New Spain Inquisition prosecuted physicians and surgeons for various reasons, including religious and political beliefs, impacting public health initiatives like early vaccination efforts in Mexico.
Area of Science:
- History of Medicine
- Medical Ethics
- Public Health
Context:
- The Spanish Inquisition's reach extended to the New Spain and Philippine Islands.
- Physicians and surgeons served as officers and were also judged by the Holy Office.
- Historical prosecution of medical practitioners by religious and political authorities.
Purpose:
- To document the involvement of physicians and surgeons within the New Spain Inquisition.
- To identify individuals prosecuted by the Inquisition and the reasons for their judgment.
- To highlight the impact of these prosecutions on medical practice and public health.
Summary:
- The New Spain Inquisition appointed physicians and surgeons as officers from 1572 to 1644.
- Practitioners were judged for being "Judaizers," Freemasons, or French Revolution sympathizers.
- Dr. Enrique Esteban Morel, a proponent of antivariolar inoculation, faced prosecution during an epidemic.
Impact:
- Understanding the historical persecution of medical professionals provides insight into the challenges faced by early public health advocates.
- The case of Dr. Morel underscores the risks associated with introducing innovative medical practices under authoritarian regimes.
- Recognizing Dr. Morel's contributions is essential for honoring public health pioneers.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Anatomy of the Intestines
Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the small...
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the small...
01:11Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Spinal anesthetics are given during lower abdomen and limb surgeries to block sensory and motor neurons. They are administered in the mid to low lumbar regions, primarily acting on the cauda equina's nerve roots. The blockade level depends on the local anesthetic (LA) concentration. Usually, low LA concentrations are sufficient to block sensory fibers, while only high LA concentrations block motor fibers. Other factors like injection volume and speed, the patient's posture, and the drug...
01:30Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy
Endoscopy is a non-surgical medical technique used to examine a person's internal organs and vessels. This lesson will focus on two types of endoscopic studies: bronchoscopy and thoracoscopy.
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
01:25Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy
The colon, or large intestine, is the final segment of the digestive system. Its primary functions include absorbing water and vitamins produced by gut bacteria and transforming waste from liquid to solid to form stool. In adults, the large intestine is approximately 5 feet long and consists of four main sections:
01:26Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy and laparoscopy are distinct medical procedures that enable physicians to internally inspect different parts of the GI tract. Although they serve different purposes, each is essential for diagnosing and, in some cases, treating various medical conditions.
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
01:30Psychosurgery
Psychosurgery, the surgical alteration or permanent removal of brain tissue to alleviate severe psychological conditions, stands as one of the most radical and controversial treatments in the history of mental health care. Its development and application have evolved significantly, marked by dramatic shifts in scientific understanding and ethical perspectives.
Historical Development of Psychosurgery
In the 1930s, Portuguese neurologist Antonio Egas Moniz introduced a surgical procedure designed...
Historical Development of Psychosurgery
In the 1930s, Portuguese neurologist Antonio Egas Moniz introduced a surgical procedure designed...