News link--Medieval Medicine

The Medical World of Medieval Monks

Anaesthetics and disinfectants are thought to be a modern medical invention but evidence is coming to light that medieval doctors knew of them too.

Evidence found at the ancient Soutra Hospital site, in Scotland, suggests the medieval Augustine monks also knew how to amputate limbs, fashion surgical instruments, induce birth, stop scurvy and even create hangover cures.

Nifty job title of the day: "archeo-ethno-pharmocologist."

(no subject)

For those wondering: I did make it to the appointment yesterday. The doctor checked me out a bit, then decided I need more tests along with the other tests I still haven't managed to get done. Right then, we'll see what happens.

Yesterday's high temperature was in the upper 90s with the usual humidity making it feel even warmer. I spent the time from about noon till 12:40 waiting for a bus, with a Pepsi truck providing shade only part of that time. As you would expect, I spent most of the afternoon collapsed in bed. On the plus side, I did manage to read about 200 pages of a library book during the day, which is pretty darn good considering how difficult concentrating on anything has been for me lately. (The book: Feed by M.T. Anderson. Pretty good for a Young Adult novel, but I tend to have low expectations for YA novels. Why does the typical YA novel tend to be so much worse than either novels written for children or novels written for adults? Is there some reason why a particular age group is considered to be blind to stereotyped characters, thuddingly dull prose, and condescending authors? Or am I simply terribly unlucky in my selections from those shelves at the library? In any event, Feed was worth reading, hardly ever making me want to throw the book against the wall.)

In other news, the big honkin' tree limb has been removed from the roof and the roof has been tarred (not feathered). My bedroom floor is covered in sawdust and wood chips flung by the chainsaw. Here's hoping I can find a working broom sometime in the near future.

More linkage! Syn--pilot magazine for synaesthetes.

California researchers are developing fruit- and vegetable-based surrogates for a paperlike seaweed product—typically used in sushi—to brighten foods and infuse them with all-natural nutrients. Brought to you by the U.S. Agricultural Research Service and a company called Origami Foods.

Haven't looked at this yet, but it could be interesting to read: Vote Fraud, Intimidation & Suppression In The 2004 Presidential Election.

Finally, The Perseids are coming! The Perseids are coming! "In 2005, the Perseids are expected to reach their maximum on Aug. 12. Peak activity is unfortunately predicted for the daylight hours across North America. Sky watchers are thus encouraged to watch during the predawn hours of Friday, Aug. 12 and again during the early morning hours of Saturday."