Gout in Duke Federico of Montefeltro (1422-1482): a new pearl of the Italian Renaissance
Date
2018
Authors
Fornaciari, A.
Giuffra, V.
Armocida, E.
Caramella, D.
Rühli, F.J.
Galassi, F.M.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology, 2018; 36(1):15-20
Statement of Responsibility
A. Fornaciari, V. Giuffra, E. Armocida, D. Caramella, F.J. Rühli, F.M. Galassi
Conference Name
Abstract
The article examines the truthfulness of historical accounts claiming that Renaissance Duke Federico of Montefeltro (1422-1482) suffered from gout. By direct paleopathological assessment of the skeletal remains and by the philological investigation of historical and documental sources, primarily a 1461 handwritten letter by the Duke himself to his personal physician, a description of the symptoms and Renaissance therapy is offered and a final diagnosis of gout is formulated. The Duke's handwritten letter offers a rare testimony of ancient clinical self-diagnostics and Renaissance living-experience of gout. Moreover, the article also shows how an alliance between historical, documental and paleopathological methods can greatly increase the precision of retrospective diagnoses, thus helping to shed clearer light onto the antiquity and evolution of diseases.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
CER10392
Access Status
Rights
© Copyright Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 2018