Medicine and the Spanish Novator Movement: Ancients vs. Moderns, and Beyond

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to synthesize and assess recent research on the development of medical knowledge and practices in the reign of Charles II of Austria (1665-1700) and the first part of that of his successor, Philip V of Bourbon (1700-1724). In doing so, we shall provide an outline of the state of research on the question. At the same time, we also intend to raise questions that still remain to be studied as well as to look at possible upcoming developments in this area of research. The latter aim can only be accomplished by reversing a four-decade-old, broad interpretative scheme that, in our opinion, needs reassessment in a way that enables it to answer new questions articulated in light of recent historiography and research.