Cosmotellurism in Lombroso’s work

Cosmotellurism in Lombroso’s work

Authors

  • Rosagemma Ciliberti Section of History of Medicine and Ethics, Department of Science of Health, University of Genoa, De Toni, 12 16132 Genova, Italy
  • Marta Licata Centre of Research in Osteoarchaeology and Paleopathology Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, O. Rossi, 9 21100 Varese, Italy
  • Chiara Tesi Centre of Research in Osteoarchaeology and Paleopathology Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, O. Rossi, 9 21100 Varese, Italy
  • Roberta Fusco Centre of Research in Osteoarchaeology and Paleopathology Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, O. Rossi, 9 21100 Varese, Italy
  • Giuseppe Armocida Centre of Research in Osteoarchaeology and Paleopathology Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, O. Rossi, 9 21100 Varese, Italy

Keywords:

Lombroso, Medical Geography, Cosmotellurism, nineteenth-century’s epidemiological research

Abstract

Background and aim of the work: Few know that Lombroso was also involved in epidemiological research. In particular, Lombroso’s scientific reflections on Medical Geography were addressed to the theme of climate influences and meteorological conditions on human conduct. The authors analyze the scientific production and the works of Lombroso devoted to medical geography. Discussion: Lombroso carried out accurate epidemiological investigations using the statistical method with great modernity, combining health data with geographical and climatic data to demonstrate the relationship between man, the environment and health in a social vision of preventive and curative medicine. Conclusions: The theory of Cosmotellurism in Lombroso’s work is not only a source of unquestionable interest in the History of Medicine. The heritage of Medical Geography within the pre-bacteriological medical culture can continue with its teachings to correctly address the clinician’s thinking even in the current historical context in which endemic and epidemic pathologies re-emerge in various parts of the world. (www.actabiomedica.it)

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Published

19-03-2020

Issue

Section

MEDICAL HUMANITIES

How to Cite

1.
Cosmotellurism in Lombroso’s work. Acta Biomed [Internet]. 2020 Mar. 19 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];91(1):107-12. Available from: https://mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/actabiomedica/article/view/8635