The Methode of Physicke

About Us

As part of the curriculum for the CodeFirst:Girls Beginners Coding Course, this project was created by two PhD researchers at the University of East Anglia, UK. Focused around our specialities in biology and history, our project idea revolves around the history of medicine. We were inspired by the sixteenth-century medicinal textThe Methode of Physicke, written by English physic Phillip Barrough in 1590.

As one of the most influential medicinal texts in early-modern England, The Methode of Physicke documented "the causes, signes, and cures" of a variety of "inward diseases" common in early-modern England. This included "the Forme and Rule of Making Remedies and Medicines" that were used by physicians during this period. Whilst it was common to heal a specific illness using practices such as bloodletting, Barrough also documented the "Proportion, Quantity, and Names" of medicines that were sourced from nature. In terms of both history, botany, and medicine, this text is a useful record of contemporary practices and beliefs regarding natural medicinal remedies in early-modern England.

This website provides an interactive experience which allows the user to explore and learn more about some of the common natural medicines used for particular ailments. Some of these medicines were not only used during the early-modern period but were used much earlier such as the Roman era. These remedies can be explored on this website, either by exploring maladies physically affecting the body or those mentally afflicting the mind. By hovering over different parts of the human anatomy, a possible remedy will be highlighted and further information about its medicinal benefits will be provided. In some cases, these remedies are also still being used in aromatherapy and homeopathy today.

Online access to a copy of The Methode of Physicke can be found here.