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Aberdeen's plague epidemic of 1647-48

K Jillings1

  • 1School of History, Philosophy and Classics, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. K.A.Jillings@massey.ac.nz

Scottish Medical Journal
|August 28, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Scotland experienced a severe plague epidemic in the 1640s, with Aberdeen suffering greatly in 1647-48. Historical records reveal how the city

Area of Science:

  • Historical Epidemiology
  • Public Health History

Background:

  • The mid-17th century saw widespread plague outbreaks across Scotland.
  • Understanding of disease causation was based on miasma and contagion theories.

Observation:

  • The plague epidemic significantly impacted Scotland from 1644.
  • Aberdeen experienced a virulent outbreak from April 1647 to late 1648.

Findings:

  • Government responses to plague outbreaks were guided by prevailing medical beliefs.
  • Aberdeen's governors employed established methods to combat miasma and contagion.
  • Council registers and primary sources detail the city's response to the epidemic.

Implications:

  • This study highlights historical public health strategies during plague epidemics.
  • It provides insight into the governance and societal impact of disease in 17th-century Scotland.
  • Understanding past responses can inform contemporary public health preparedness.

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