Review article

Ramazzini's writing on the diseases of salt-makers

R. Justra ; Zdravstvena stanica »Rudnici soli i soni bunari«, Tuzla, Bosna i Hercegovina
T. Beritić ; Jugoslavenska akademija znanosti i umjetnosti, Zagreb, Hrvatska

Abstract

In his famous book De Morbis Artificum Diatriba, published in 1700, Ramazzini devoted a chapter also to the diseases of salt-makers. Although having no first-hand clinical experience he was well acquainted with health problems and the working conditions of salt-makers. According to his information the sick salt-makers suffered from salt-holes and became cachectic and hydropic in spite of insatiable hunger and thirst. All these symptoms were ascribed to »acid exhalations«. Both the cooking of saline water from mining and wells and the work in sea-water salines produced such a great deal of heat that the salt-makers were practically naked while at work. It is interesting to note that Ramazzini warned against the blood-letting in the treatment of sick workers.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

153043

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/153043

Publication date:

22.6.1988.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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