Episode 4: Women and Early Modern Epidemiology with Richelle Munkhoff

CW: discussion of Death and Disease

In this episode of 'Is That Science', Susan talks with Richelle Munkhoff, co-founder of The Plain Sight Archive a non-profit organization developing an online tool and resources dedicated to a more inclusive understanding of the history of arts and culture. In this interview, Richelle discusses one area of her research conducted during her academic career, a specific role for women in the early modern period.

Women have always participated in science and held important roles in medicine. However, the inherently male-dominated tradition of these practices has a tendency to both forget and erase the pivotal part they have played in scientific development. Richelle’s work is so important because it reminds us of both the forgotten legacy of women in the foundations of science and their importance as leaders within the community. Of course, this interview will be slightly on the more history and humanities side, but I couldn't resist discussing this fascinating piece of work! We talked about the purpose of this role, how it evolved, how Richelle conducted her research and what we can learn from the Searchers.

To follow Richelle's current work follow @plain_sight_archive

Readings referenced in our discussion:

For Richelle's article: https://www.jstor.org/stable/24423855

For the article I referenced in the show: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jpcu.13070

Books referenced:

Boccaccio, Decameron (1353)

Thomas Dekker's "plague pamphlets" can be found in:The Plague Pamphlets of Thomas Dekker, ed. F. P. Wilson (1925) especially of interest are: "The Wonderfull Yeare: 1603" (1603) and "A Rod for Run-awayes, God's Tokens" (1625)

Daniel Defoe, Journal of the Plague Year (1722)

Elizabeth Griffith, "The Story of Miss Williams" -- appears in:Novellettes (1780) [pages 203-220]

Further reading:

For more on Richelle's research: https://heatherquinlan.medium.com/ever-heard-of-the-searchers-they-killed-romeo-and-juliet-confused-read-on-dc399a46ab42

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