Clare Griffin's Dive into Early Modern Russian Medicine
So maybe what I wanted to ask you is, in doing this research, what surprised you most? I mean there's this old phrase that the past is a foreign country, but honestly, I think possibly 17th Century Muscovy is just a different planet.
Have you ever wondered how medicine in early modern Russia was influenced by global trade? Clare Griffin's book, *Mixing Medicines: The Global Drug Trade and Early Modern Russia*, offers a fascinating look into this very topic. In this episode of 'New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery', Griffin chats with host Erika Monahan about her deep dive into the world of Russian medical drugs during the early modern period.
This isn't just about old herbs and potions; it's about a global network that brought American botanicals and even Western European medicines made from human corpses into Russian hands. Griffin's work stands out as the first to thoroughly examine how the Russian Empire was part of this extensive trade network. The discussion covers a range of intriguing topics, from the role of the apothecary chancery to the impact of religion on medical practices in Muscovy.
Griffin also shares her unique research methods and some surprising discoveries along the way. If you're curious about how global influences shaped Russian medicine or just love a good historical exploration, this episode is a must-listen.