Throughout history, humans have faced disastrous catastrophes that they had to endure in order to survive. One of the most incomprehensible disasters for humanity was the Bubonic Plague, a disaster that transformed the European society, economy, and politics forever. Often referred to as the Black Plague or Black Death, the prelude of the tragedy began in 1300 when Europe experienced declining temperature and an increasing number of storms and violent rains, destroying the three most important crops: wheat, oats, and hay. This period is called the “Little Ice Age” and lasted until 1450, during which Europe was hit by another devastating event called the Great Famine (1315-1322). As the scarcity of crops spread, Europe rose the cost of grains,
In my opinion, I don’t think it’s accurate to say that disease is an “unseen enemy” throughout history. The diseases mentioned by John Aberth are smallpox and the bubonic, also known as the Black Death. They both show symptoms of it taking place inside the human body. So in a way, they are not an “unseen” enemy. For example, the bubonic plague is spread through the bite of a flea.
The Black Plague begined in the 1348-50s, through this disease it never really vanished that quickly. The disease is caused by bacterial strain called Yersinia pestis. This bacteria is found on animals throughout the world and is usually transmitted to humans through fleas. There is 3 plagues Bubonic Plague, Septicmetic Plague, and Pneumonic Plage. The Bubonic Plague is the most common form, referring to painful swollen lymph nodes—that appears around the groin, armpit, or the neck.
In the 1920s, Griffith began an experiment that consisted of using two types of pneumonia causing bacteria, smooth and rough. The smooth bacteria that the experiment used had a capsule, while the rough lacked one. Griffith injected the types bacteria into the mice to determine the impact they had. When the mice were injected with live rough bacteria, they lived, and when the mice were injected with live smooth bacteria, they died. Griffith at this point had concluded that the capsule was the cause of death of these mice and he decided to conduct two more experiments.
The notion that the Black Death from the middle ages is similar to modern day Ebola is a fascinating one, and one that can easily be contrasted. Sure, there are quite a few differences when it comes to the Black Death and Ebola; but even more similarities when comparing the two. From the actual science behind each disease, to the amount of people affected, even the countries that each infectious disease reached. The Black Death and Ebola are actually quite similar.
The first idea that pops up in somebody's mind if you were to say “The Black Plague” is that horrible disease when a tremendous amount of people died. Well yes, it was a catastrophic disease during the Middle Ages when many, many innocent people died from this horrific disease. Unfortunately, this epidemic spread throughout Europe and Asia and, to this day, is still known as the most dramatic period in history for amount of deaths. The way of life for many Europeans had forever changed from this outrageous downfall population change.
The Black Plague is known to be one of the most deadly pandemics in history, estimated to have killed 30-60% of Europe’s population in the series of outbreaks between the 14th and 18th centuries. The devastation of the plague was made much worse by the incomprehension of those affected by it. Y. Pestis, the bacteria which causes plague, was spread by infected hosts, including rats and fleas. However, the sparse knowledge of science and medicine led Europeans to blame other sources for the debilitating disease. Some believed the plague was the wrath of God, punishing the guilty for their sins.
In a passage from The Great Influenza, author John M. Barry writes about what it is like to be a scientist. He describes scientists as pioneers and uses that to get across his idea. The author states that being a scientist is brave and uses metaphor, the motif of an explorer, and logos to prove his point. In the start of the passage, the author makes the point that to be a scientist is to be uncertain.
In understanding Plague disease, it is important to learn about the possible treatment of the disease as well as prevention mechanisms. Understanding the causative factors and the transmission mechanisms can help understand how to keep the disease at bay. The main ways of preventing plague is through sanitation and having limited animal contact. Since plague is common in rodents and can be transmitted through fleas, it is important that rodent habitat to be reduced in areas around the workplace as well as around homes. Removing brush, rock piles, junk, clutter firewood as well as possible rodent food supplies as well as making homes rodent-proof.
The chilling death scene of the married zoologist couple, Joseph and Celice, when they are brutally murdered in the dunes of Baritone Bay, serves to a illuminate the greater meaning of Jim Crace’s novel, Being Dead, as a whole. Joseph and Celice who met and fell in love thirty years earlier during a research trip at Baritone Bay, have finally decided to return to the location. Their return was prolonged by the guilt that plagued Celice for many years after the death of one of her peers, Festa. Upon return, they find a seemingly secluded area to picnic and have awkward, yet intimate sex, but are soon viciously beaten to death by a man who then steals their belongings. The scene serves to highlight and emphasize many themes and character traits, which contribute to the
“Plague in Central America,” by Arana Xajila, in the years of 1519-1560 talks about a deadly plague that derives from Europe to Mesoamerica (Central America) and spreads throughout Central America. This plague had spread to the people of Central America when their tribe, Cakchiquels, were fighting against the Spaniards. The Spaniards that were fighting in the tribe had passed on this deadly plague to the Cakchiquels tribe who then passed it on to others in Central America. This plague can be known as the influenza (flu). This deadly virus was spreading rapidly and soon everyone in Central America were affected.