Archæological Essays, Vol. 2

"Archæological Essays, Vol. 2" by James Young Simpson is a collection of scholarly essays written in the late 19th century. This volume specifically addresses various historical and medical topics, with much emphasis on the study of ancient diseases, particularly leprosy, and its implications in Scotland and England. The essays are a contribution to the field of archaeology and medical history, reflecting a rigorous academic approach to understanding the past. The opening of this volume introduces the complex and intriguing history of leprosy, examining its prevalence in medieval Europe and the institutions that were established to manage the afflicted. Simpson notes the dramatic changes in understanding and treatment of the disease throughout history, including the establishment of leper hospitals and the legislative measures taken to segregate those infected. The text highlights several specific Scottish leper hospitals, detailing their foundings and the social implications of leprosy during that time, setting the stage for a more in-depth exploration of the disease in subsequent sections of the work.