Clare Griffin

Clare Griffin, a history professor at Indiana University and author specializing in early modern Russian medical history, dives into the fascinating world of medicinal trade in Russia. She reveals how the apothecary chancery operated, highlighting the contrast between plant-based remedies and the controversial use of human-derived medicines in Europe. Griffin discusses the influence of Orthodox beliefs on medical practices and the surprising role of American botanicals in Russian health. She also shares insights from her ongoing research about soldiers’ wounds and the complexities of historical medical narratives.