Two responsa of R. Samson Morpurgo on non-kosher medicines: Therapy vs. Jewish Halakic Principles

摘要: In the eighteenth-century Europe, medical practices often still followed theories originating from classical and medieval medicine. addition, medicaments produced plants, minerals, or animals, such as snake meat, were commonly used to treat a wide range of illnesses. This study addresses approach Jewish-Italian physician R. Samson Morpurgo (1681-1740) use non-kosher medications.  According Morpurgo’s outlook, providing patient with proper care consideration for dictates halakha are two intertwined interrelated aspects. The condition whose life is in danger might have effect reducing halakhic restrictions while, on other hand, has power determine intervene manners treating patients not danger. Sometimes authority Jewish law needs clash form moral-religious conflict. cases, opinion that preference should be given halakha, although some cases need action upper hand overrides posed by law, ultimately patient’s health valued above all else.