Ether was discovered in 1275 by Spanish chemist Raymundus Lullus, but it was Valerius Cordus in 1540 who synthesized ether into “sweet oil of vitriol” and praised its medicinal properties, chief of which was the alleviation of pain. His contemporary, Paracelsus, noted that sleep was induced when chickens ingested the liquid. The name was changed to “ethereal spirits” or “ether” in 1730 by German scientist W.G. Frobenius. Friedrich Hoffmann (1660- 1742) combined it with ethyl alcohol and marketed it as “Hoffman’s Anodyne” as a treatment for cramps, earache, dysmenorrhea, and toothache. James Graham (1745-94), proprietor of the Temple of Hymen and the Celestial Bed, was a noted addict, habitually and publicly inhaling a couple of ounces several times a day. At this time ether became a recreational drug, along with nitrous oxide, with users celebrating parties called “ether frolics” to enjoy the hallucinogenic, euphoric effects before falling asleep. By 1790, inhaled ether was widely used by doctors in England to treat patients with consumption and other pulmonary ailments. It would not be until the experiments of Dr. Crawford Long in 1842 and Dr. William Morton in 1846 when cloths soaked in ether and inhaled by patients during minor surgery intrigued the serious medical community to develop techniques using ether as an anesthetic.
In 460 BC, Hippocrates described postpartum “fever,” which produced “agitation, delirium, and attacks of mania.” The 11th century writings of the gynecologist Trotula of Salerno note that, “if the womb is too moist, the brain is filled with water, and the moisture running over to the eyes, compels them to involuntarily shed tears.” Famed French psychiatrist Esquirol (1772-1840) wrote of the “mental alienation of those recently confined and of nursing women.” That some new mothers experienced unusual symptoms including melancholy all the way to psychosis was documented, but largely ignored by the medical community until 1858. Marce’s
The fields of physiological and clinical chemistry—the study of chemicals in bodily fluids and how they work in the body—began in Britain in earnest around 1750. Dozens of physiologists lectured and researched, writing theses on the subject. It was this exploding area of science that gave Mary Shelley the ideas for
Mental illnesses have been recognized from the dawn of time, although not well understood in general. Despite the inhumanity of many asylums and the bizarre “treatments” applied, there were doctors who strived to understand mental illnesses and apply science. The medieval Islamic physicians were highly advanced. As early as the 7th century they built hospitals and provided psychotherapy, medications, and even music and occupational therapy! The 11th century Persian physician Avicenna coined the term “physiological psychology” and associated mental illness with emotions. He also pioneered neuropsychiatry, recognizing the neurologic pathology to dementia, epilepsy, melancholia, and stroke, to name a few. England’s Bethlem Royal Hospital in London was founded in the 13th century and, despite the negative reputation, was the world’s first center for research and healing of the mentally ill. The location and official name has changed, but for more than 750 years Bethlem has been a part of London and maintained its specialization. In 1948 it combined with Maudsley Hospital and continues to be a leader in mental health research and services.
All of these sciences, and many others, interrelated and built upon each other. Physiological psychology—the branch of psychology that studies the biological and physiological basis of behavior—would not be referred to as such until around 1880, but the foundations to this understanding were laid in the centuries prior.
Growth is an inevitable by-product of being an author, but we do not get there alone. At least not as easily or with our sanity intact!
Trailblazing authors in the Jane Austen genre who boldly declared that writing characters created by another are a valid form of literature and worthy to be published are on the top of my list for thanks. They faced the ridicule first, forged ahead with the help of equally brave publishers, and made it possible. Now the number of published Austen fiction writers is expanding daily. So much so that a bunch of us formed a blog to share our love of Jane Austen and our pride in delving uniquely into her world—Austen Authors at www.austenauthors.com.
A special thank you to Carrie Flores, Regional Director of the Central Valley California JASNA. Carrie reached out to me and welcomed me with an open heart. Her kindness combined with the friendliness of others within our group has allowed me to be a part of the Austen community in a way I did not previously think was possible.
Huge thanks go to the Romance Writers of America, the Beau Monde Regency chapter, and the Yosemite Romance Writers for their amazing support, feedback, resources, education, and friendship. I am so proud to be a part of this fine organization.
Hugs to each one of my Casablanca sisters! I love these ladies and honestly cannot imagine where I would be right not without their insights and encouragement. CasaBabes rule! And if you don’t believe me, come to www.casablancaauthors.blogspot.com and I’ll prove it to you.
To my fans: I wish more than anything I could personally meet each of you, sign your books, and have lunch! I can’t express the depth of my appreciation for the emails, positive comments, participation on the blogs, interactions on Facebook, and so on. You inspire me to continue and to try even harder.
Deb Werksman, my fabulous editor—warmest thanks imaginable flying your way! You push me each time, finding new ways for me to improve my skills as a writer, yet always with love, respect, trust, and latitude. The blend is phenomenal and I know how blessed I am to have you.
Above all, to my family who suffer through this craziness with me! Your love and encouragement bolsters me. Somehow you have survived the insanity, probably better than me, and keep me focused and strong. Steve, my love, Emily and Kyle, my sweet babies: I owe it all to you.
Finally, I give all credit to the Lord. None of the rest would matter without Him. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Amen.
Sharon lathan is a native Californian currently residing amid the orchards, corn, cotton, and cows in the sunny San Joaquin Valley. Happily married for twenty-four years to her own Mr. Darcy and mother to two wonderful children, she divides her time between housekeeping tasks, nurturing her family, church activities, and working as a registered nurse in a neonatal ICU. Throw in the cat, dog, and a ton of fish to complete the picture. When not at the hospital or attending to the dreary tasks of homemaking, she is generally found hard at work on her faithful laptop.
For more information about Sharon, the Regency Era, and her bestselling Darcy Saga series, visit her website/blog at: www.sharonlathan.net or www.darcysaga.net. She also invites everyone to join her and over twenty other published Austen literary novelists at her group blog Austen Authors: www.austenauthors.com.
