The revival of Lucretian atomism and contagious diseases during the renaissance.

Item request has been placed! ×
Item request cannot be made. ×
loading   Processing Request
Read More Add to Saved list
  • Author(s): Beretta M;Beretta M
  • Source:
    Medicina nei secoli [Med Secoli] 2003; Vol. 15 (2), pp. 129-54.
  • Publication Type:
    Biography; Historical Article; Journal Article
  • Language:
    English
  • Additional Information
    • Source:
      Publisher: Institute For The History Of Medicine At The University Of Rome Country of Publication: Italy NLM ID: 0176472 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Print ISSN: 0394-9001 (Print) Linking ISSN: 03949001 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Med Secoli
    • Publication Information:
      Original Publication: Roma : Institute For The History Of Medicine At The University Of Rome
    • Subject Terms:
      Communicable Diseases/*history ; Philosophy/*history ; Poetry as Topic/*history ; Science/*history; Europe ; History, Ancient ; History, Early Modern 1451-1600 ; Rome
    • Subject Terms:
      Lucretius; Fracastoro G
    • Abstract:
      This article examines the influence of Lucretius' De rerum natura on the theory of contagious diseases which Girolamo Fracastoro developed during the second decade of the 16th century. It is apparent that the use of the concept of semina morbi was neither an anticipation of modern germ theory, nor a mere adaptation of the terminology of classical atomism. In fact, the combination of the humanist interest in the poem of Lucretius with a renewed attention towards direct observation resulted in the publication in of Fracastoro's De morbo gallico (1530), containing an innovative and effective interpretation of the notion of contagion.
    • Publication Date:
      Date Created: 20040818 Date Completed: 20041020 Latest Revision: 20170330
    • Publication Date:
      20250114
    • Accession Number:
      15309812