Two Unconventional Testimonies of Urolithiasis in the 18th Century on the 1600th Anniversary of St. Liborius' Death (397-1997)

Abstract

Urolithiasis can be traced back to periods long past, and its pathological substrate was well known from the beginning. This knowledge motivated rational, empirical measures of healing, which included a variety of recipes against stones. The paper presents two unconventional testimonies of urolithiasis in the 18th century. The Croatian Glagolitic prayerbook from the 18th century is a valuable source for identification of therapeutical approaches. On the other hand, a votive painting of Saint Liborius, patron saint against lithiasis, reflects theurgical views of disease and healing. On the occasion of the 1600th anniversary of his death, this paper aims to illustrate how his cult was revitalized in the 18th century.