Doctors, Folk Medicine And The Inquisition: The Repression Of Magical Healing In Portugal During The Enlightenment

Timothy D. Walker explores the intricate relationship between traditional healing practices and the oppressive forces of the Inquisition in Portugal during the Enlightenment. His examination reveals how folk medicine, steeped in magical and superstitious elements, faced increasing repression as authorities sought to regulate health and morality through rigid medical doctrines. The tension between established doctors and healers showcases a transformative era where enlightenment ideals conflicted with deeply entrenched cultural beliefs, leading to a notable rise in Inquisition trials against those accused of sorcery.

Walker delves into the societal implications of these trials, highlighting the fear and paranoia that permeated communities as practitioners of folk medicine became targets. The narrative not only sheds light on individual cases of persecution but also encapsulates the broader struggle between emerging rational thought and the enduring power of traditional beliefs. This historical account offers valuable insights into how the dynamics of healing and power shaped societal norms during a pivotal period in European history.