Your Malady Is No 'Sodeyn Hap': Ophthalmology, Benvenutus Grassus, and January's Blindness

Author / Editor
Palmer, James M.

Title
Your Malady Is No 'Sodeyn Hap': Ophthalmology, Benvenutus Grassus, and January's Blindness

Published
Chaucer Review 41 (2006): 197-205.

Description
Considered in the light of writings by thirteenth-century ophthalmologist Benvenutus Grassus, January's blindness in MerT is no sudden infirmity. With his admitted habit of "overindulgence" in women, food, and drink, January has been working on becoming blind for quite some time.

Chaucer Subjects
Merchant and His Tale.