Posted by Dennis O'C (207.70.186.48) on August 15, 1999 at 02:47:06:
Do we have to reinvent the wheel with new theories when learned people in the past have already shed so much light on the subject?
Case in point: Chapter VI "Cluster Headaches" in the renowned book "MEDIEVAL BARBER" by Theodoric of York.
Theodoric states:
It's hard to believe but in the days before skilled Barbers people believed these headaches to be caused by the pecking of fowl spirits acquired by eating the flesh of chickens that had been heated over a fire. Due to our advances, as we approach the dawn of the enlightened 13th century, we now know they are the result of the periodic hopping of tiny red toads living in the patients head.
Their removal, without causing the death of the patient, remains beyond the reach of Medieval science. Much relief and in some cases prolonged reversal may be obtained by a generous bloodletting followed by the application of three leeches to the affected area while deeply breathing woodsmoke.
DO NOT TRY THIS AT HUT. See a qualified Barber.
I hesitated to post this when I read DJ's response to the eyestrain theory....but since he's out at the lake....