During our first meeting (majlis), we, the Hutchings group, discussed about too many things. One of the things we did discuss is about djinns and angels. Perhaps, people who dwell in the business of healing probably knew more than we think they know. That they knew many things about microbiology and even psychiatry. Perhaps, their nomenclature and their explanation differ much from our understanding of etiology and pathogenesis of disease processes.Surprise, surprise! Just the other day, there was a podcast on antibiotics and the discussion on how new antibiotics are rendered worthless within a year or so after it is marketed as the next wonder drug!
Incidentally, two microbiologists, who took greatest interest in Old English games, dressing and language stumbled upon old scriptures written by an alchemist or healer in medieval times. He had written a book on his collection of 'wonder cures'.
After translating the text and preparing meticulously a concoction using simple household items like leek, onion, honey and vinegar, they actually had a paste which successfully cured a stye!
Just like how Alexander Fleming who was feted with the Nobel prize and honoured on the Times magazine, when penicillin was discovered, these old witches and shamans must have their place in the limelight when their potions cured the illnesses of the day. Penicillin, despite its early promise and apparent breakthrough in treating infection, soon encountered drug resistance as the survival skills of the microscopic lifeforms showed their 'street smartness' through genetic engineering to stay alive. Witches' potion No. 5, must have had its spot in the monthly 'Top 40' chart before bowing sheepishly to potion No. 8 and so on.
Comments
Post a Comment