Tag: beliefs about medicine

The Practice of Alchemy

On By Terry ConnellyIn prompt, Uncategorized, Writing promptLeave a comment

            Alchemists attempted to purify, mature and create certain substances that were believed to grant certain powers. Changing lessor metals into more valuable ones, such as the magical transformation of base metals into gold was one of the more popular experiments. They also worked to create elixirs to alleviate illnesses and maladies, find the secret to longevity.

            Because alchemists worked in secrecy and guarded their research, they were often thought to be working magic through the use of mythology and religious beliefs. They recorded findings in cryptic languages that needed a code to decipher. As researchers explore the roots and history of alchemy, they have begun to tie together those ancient beliefs with the foundation of modern day science and theology.

            Your task is to imagine a world in which alchemy plays an important role. Perhaps your protagonist is the alchemist, working hard in a secret location to be the first to discover the elixir for everlasting life. What does she do? Where is her secret place? Who does she share her ideas with and why with only those individuals.

            Maybe your protagonist is the adventurer who is searching for the lost histories of alchemists. Where does she go? Who does she rely on in her search? What happens to her along the way?

            Enrich your story with details that add depth to the world. Use dialogue to reveal interpersonal relationships and narration to move the plot along. Change pace. Slow things down when danger is arising and speed things up when your character is fleeing.

            Have fun with this one.

Attitude Toward Medicine

On By Terry ConnellyIn Uncategorized, Writing promptLeave a comment

            In much earlier times medicine was often the use of herbs, chants and even bloodletting.  Different kinds of plants were thought to heal specific ailments and injuries. During Medieval times the brewing of potions took on magical aspects when combined with chants and spells designed to ward off evil.

When trading grew into a major enterprise, travelers brought back different plants and beliefs that expanded the understanding as to how medicine was understood and utilized. Materials were tested and studies were done to verify or dispute what was known about various herbal treatments.

Modern society now relies on mixtures and tablets developed through scientific research in university and private labs. Doctors write prescriptions for what they believe is most likely to help their patients.

How we feel about medicine is influenced by where we live, what our families believed and how much we trust medical professionals. Others factor are availability and cultural practices.

Your task is to write a story in which the use of medicine plays a role. Setting is critical for that controls your character’s attitude toward medicine. Narrative is necessary to describe scene, but dialogue will allow readers to see into the minds of the people in our story.

Have fun with this one.