Illness in literature: an example of Middle Scots

Area of Science:

• Medical Humanities
• Literary Analysis
• Historical Medicine

Background:

• Explores writings of Scots poet William Dunbar on personal medical experiences.
• Focuses on a severe headache described by Dunbar, potentially a migraine.
• Contextualizes Dunbar's work within eighteenth-century Scotland and royal patronage.

Discussion:

• Analyzes the potential diagnosis of Dunbar's headache as a migraine.
• Examines the relationship between King James IV's interest in medicine and his support for Dunbar.
• Considers the historical intersection of arts, literature, and medical understanding.

Key Insights:

• William Dunbar's severe headache offers a rare literary account of a potential migraine in the eighteenth century.
• King James IV's patronage may indicate royal support for intellectuals with health challenges.
• The case highlights the limited medical documentation and understanding of conditions like migraine historically.

Outlook:

• Further research into Dunbar's life and writings could offer more insights into historical medical conditions.
• Encourages exploration of other literary works for historical medical narratives.
• Promotes interdisciplinary studies connecting literature, history, and medicine.