I haven’t posted anything on this site for quite awhile. I’ve been working on novels…writing as well as editing/publishing. It was a steep learning curve. The last thing I did was to create a website devoted to the novels I’ve written. The experts say you should do this before you write the novel…..seems backward to me but what do I know? If you are interested, you can take a peek at the site by following this link: https://joeayres.com/
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The Celts were quite advanced vis a vis medical practice. For instance, their surgical instruments included saws, retractors, stethoscopes, probes, and skull drills. The archaeological evidence on the use of some of these tools is unequivocal (skull drills, for instance).
In addition to neurological operations, it appears the Celts performed cesarean sections and amputations. They also employed a variety of herbal medicines.
Medical practice was intertwined with beliefs about the supernatural. Thus, treatment was also combined with votive offerings, etc.
Very important aspects of medical practice were the Brehon Laws that applied to it. For example, only qualified physicians were allowed to practice. Clear rules were established vis a vis what was required to become a qualified physician. Penalties were severe for unqualified physicians who practiced medicine. These laws also set forth the way hospitals were to be erected (4 doors, near water, etc.). The laws also declared these facilities were to be free of charge and detailed precisely who had to pay for and maintain the facilities.
The Druids were held in high regard by the Celts. They held a position in society just below that of Kings/Queens. However, there is considerable discord over the role of the Druids in Celtic society. Some argue they served primarily religious purposes but others suggest their roles involved broader intellectual pursuits.
Unfortunately, the Druids did not detail their role in written form until well after the Christianity had become the religious doctrine of the Celts. Thus, what is said about the Druids in those texts is colored by the adoption of Christian values and beliefs. It can be safely claimed that the Druids played an important role in Celtic life. They most certainly led the religious aspects of the culture and were used to arbitrate disputes…. beyond that it is difficult to determine how far their influence went.
The meaning of the term “Druid” supports the view that they were intellectual leaders as well as religious leaders. Dru is related to “oak” and uid related to “knowledge” (i.e., oak knowledge). A more general interpretation would be “one whose knowledge is great”.
It can be said that the current Druid movements are not based on surviving Druid texts because none exist (the Druids passed on the belief structure orally and maintained a proscription against putting their beliefs into written form to safeguard them from outsiders).
