Pestilence and headcolds

"Because of its cultural diversity, colonial Mexico is an especially rich setting for the exploration of premodern concepts of health and disease. This book draws on a variety of sources to explore the ways in which the inhabitants of colonial Mexico interpreted their health. Sherry Fields thoroughly examines such contemporary writings as native codices, travelers' accounts, chronicles, newspapers, and personal correspondences, as well as home remedy guides written for laypeople. She also considers painted ex-votos from the colonial period, not only as a comment on the illness experience in general, but also as a vehicle for exploring the connection between illness and religious faith."--BOOK JACKET.