The gynaecological–obstetrical practice of the renaissance physician Amatus Lusitanus (Dubrovnik, 1555–1557)

• Published in: European journal of obstetrics & gynecology and reproductive biology 2002-09, Vol.104 (2), p.180-185
• Main Authors: Bačić, Jurica, Vilović, Katarina, Baronica, Koraljka Bačić
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 16th century; Biological and medical sciences; Croatia; Dubrovnik; Dystocia - history; Female; General aspects; Genital Diseases, Female - history; Gynaecological–obstetrical causation; Gynecology - history; History, 16th Century; Humans; Lusitanus; Medical sciences; Obstetrics - history; Pregnancy; Renaissance physician Amatus
• ISSN: 0301-2115; 1872-7654
• DOI: 10.1016/S0301-2115(02)00066-0

Objective: A gynaecological–obstetrical causation review in Dubrovnik from 1555 to 1557. Extract from the book “Curationum Medicinalium Centuriae V et VI” Amatus Lusitanus. Method: A thorough life and work archive study of Amatus Lusitanus has been made and, for this review, extracted his gynaecological–obstetrical causation observations and annotations. Results: Amatus Lusitanus was an undisputed, reputable and respected medical figure during the mid 16th century. He decisively focused on intern medicine, incorporating the gynaecological–obstetrical field. His work and skill, most assuredly, contributed to the better comprehension, acknowledgement and reputation of the gynaecological–obstetrical practice, thus leaving repute and respect in medical history latitude. Conclusion: All these cases occurred in Dubrovnik during 1555–1557 and Amatus is assuredly an excellent observer and exactist, extracting the “relevant from the non-relevant” even in Dubrovnik’s gynaecological–obstetrical daily happenings. He thoughtfully concludes his inability to remedy a malignant, advanced illness of the uterus, presumes an utero-vesico-intestinal fistula and openly speaks of medical ineptness of this causation. Proud of his invention in treating “contracted nipples”; correct in his advice and recommendations of “long and difficult births”. Impartial in his perception of puerperal sepsis and its unfavourable pathology outcome. His description of “hormone insufficiency” is concise and precise; the preferred procedure in an “abortus in tractu” is purposeful and meaningful. He closely works with other physicians living and working in Dubrovnik; conscientiously directing surgeons in procedures of stillborn child births. He explains and treats pyschosexual disturbances “without fault” and in concurrence with, not only, the contemporary knowledge of such sexual disturbances, but also in concurrence with contemporary psychiatric procedures that, even today, are applied in such pathology treatment.