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Saints in surgery
1Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery
|August 26, 1998
Summary
Nearly 300 saints are linked to healing or specific diseases through miracles or martyrdom. This study highlights saints associated with surgical conditions, exploring their patronage.
Area of Science:
- Medical History
- Hagiography
- Religious Studies
Background:
- Numerous saints are venerated for their association with healing and the cure of diseases.
- Saintly patronage can arise from attributed miracles or aspects of their martyrdom.
- Some diseases have multiple patron saints, while individual saints may have diverse patronages.
Observation:
- A significant number of saints (nearly 300) are historically linked to medical conditions.
- The connection between saints and diseases is often rooted in miraculous interventions or martyrdom narratives.
- Patronage relationships between saints and diseases are varied and complex.
Findings:
- This work focuses on a curated selection of saints specifically associated with surgical conditions.
- The study identifies specific saints whose patronage relates to surgical ailments and procedures.
- Analysis reveals patterns in the types of surgical conditions linked to particular saints.
Implications:
- Understanding saintly patronage offers insights into historical perceptions of diseases and healing practices.
- This research can inform studies on the intersection of faith, medicine, and cultural history.
- The findings contribute to the broader understanding of hagiography and its connection to medical history.