Bloedsomloop en tandpijn volgens Johannes Walaeus (1604-1649)

Abstract

SUMMARY: Under the influence of Franciscus dele Boë Sylvius, Johannes Walaeus, professor of medicine at Leyden University, became an ardent defender of Harvey's circulation theory. Through a study of Walaeus' views on the origin and treatment of tooth-ache, the influence of the circulation theory on his medical pathology is analysed. Walaeus held that tooth-ache is generally caused by the presence of harmful sanies in the blood, transported through the arteries into the tooth. He rejected the classical concept of catharre as a cause of tooth-ache. However, his statements are often too obscure to allow for a definite interpretation.