Lovesickness

Sara Paisley

Apr 20, 2000 11:18 AM

Vimala C. Pasupathi

Lovesickness is defined as the madness of the passion of love, and there is none more violent than the disturbance of it. Lovesickness first became a notable part of the medical tradition in the writings of Galen. Since then, many different theories and ideas have been generalized about lovesickness by many scholars such as Constantine(12th century), Gerard of Berry(13th century), Peter of Spain(13th century), and Bona Fortuna(14th century). The cause of this disease is basically anthing that triggers love and melancholy, and for the most part is broken down into two main groups, internal and external sources. External sources consist of the five senses, and the internal causes consist of the tenderness of the heart. Subsequently, the general syptoms of lovesickness are divided in to those of the body and mind, which affect both women and men alike. These symptoms are broken down farther into three groups; external appearance, behavior, and the parasympathetic nervous system. People generally conceived of lovesickness as a passion that originated in either the heart or the brain. Some cures and remedies for lovesickness were therapeutic intercourse, baths, conversation, music, poetry, wine, and travel.