Blood, Guts & Gore: How Human Emissions, Fluids & Excretions shaped ideas & societies
This course takes an alternate view of history, exploring the past from the perspective of the substances removed, expelled or eliminated from the body as waste products, demonstrating their economic, environmental or symbolic value.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
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In the premodern period, little was wasted. This course explores the ingenuity and resourcefulness of medieval and early modern societies and communities in finding diverse uses for a range of substances originating in the human or animal body. Substances extracted or expelled from the body could be used to diagnose the health of the individual in a time before microscopes, MRIs and xrays. The by-products of ingested food and drink were valued for their rich chemical nutrients which were harvested for agricultural uses. Saltpetre, harvested from urine, was a key ingredient in gunpowder, driving the availability of artillery and being used in the elaborate firework displays celebrating the peace accords brokered by early modern diplomats. Excretions such as tears and breastmilk were also prized commodities, the former being associated with the bestowing of a divine gift to mystics such as Margery Kempe and the latter not only cementing relationships between women and their infants, but between women of different social statuses via the widespread use of wetnurses. This course thus presents medieval and early modern history from a very different perspective.
What will we cover?
Week 1: Blood, phlegm, black bile and yellow bile: Humours, Diagnostics and Treatment Week 2: Liquid gold: fireworks, gunpowder and fertiliser Week 3: ‘Where there’s muck, there’s brass’: Night soil, city ordinances and sanitation Week 4: Crying and Lactating: Faith and sustenance.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Briefly outline the key ways in which different bodily substances and fluids were used in different contexts by medieval and early modern peoples - Explore the relationship between premodern societies and communities and their environments - Understand the significance of each substance in the context of one or more of the following themes: medicine and science, warfare and technology, diplomacy and peace, religion and faith, agriculture, the family and female household/communal networks. - Appreciate the value in exploring history from the perspective of unexpected commodities.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No prior knowledge is necesssary. A good standard of English and a willingness to engage constructively and respectfully in class debates/discussions are the only requirements.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
There will be a PowerPoint presentation with a handout of contemporary sources for discussion. You will be encouraged to share your thoughts and ideas in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No extra costs other than note-taking materials, if you wish to take notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HHS07 'Everybody Hurts': The History of Emotions, Mindsets and Mentalities (online, term 3).
Linsey discovered her love of History at school because of an inspirational teacher who showed her how history impacted upon every aspect of life and who never shied away from any topic or question that interested us. This ethos of an open and curious study of history is at the core of Linsey's teaching. Linsey studied History at the University of St Andrews, specialising in Medieval Scottish History for her PhD. In 2013, Linsey joined the University of the Highlands and Islands, teaching hybrid courses to adults of all ages and backgrounds. She has been working there for ten years now, developing and diversifying her teaching experience on modules ranging from the Crusades to early modern broadsides. Linsey is currently developing a few research projects, including a book project on a fantastic local legendary figure - Finella, Lady of the Mearns, who is purported to have killed a king in revenge for the murder of her son.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blood-guts-gore-how-human-emissions-fluids-excretions-shaped-ideas-societies2491852Blood, Guts & Gore: How Human Emissions, Fluids & Excretions shaped ideas & societieshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/social-anthropology-1024.jpg8989GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/History of medicine & science/Courses/Weird and wonderful City Lit/Courses/Online courses22851177117813472174517311228511771178This course takes an alternate view of history, exploring the past from the perspective of the substances removed, expelled or eliminated from the body as waste products, demonstrating their economic, environmental or symbolic value.003065506Blood, Guts & Gore: How Human Emissions, Fluids & Excretions shaped ideas & societies8989https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/social-anthropology-1024.jpgInStockEveningTueOnlineAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-11-10T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allNov 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHS3248989Blood, Guts & Gore: How Human Emissions, Fluids & Excretions shaped ideas & societies895889Linsey Hunterblood-guts-gore-how-human-emissions-fluids-excretions-shaped-ideas-societies/hs324-2627This course takes an alternate view of history, exploring the past from the perspective of the substances removed, expelled or eliminated from the body as waste products, demonstrating their economic, environmental or symbolic value.0000-Available|2026-11-10 00:00:00In the premodern period, little was wasted. This course explores the ingenuity and resourcefulness of medieval and early modern societies and communities in finding diverse uses for a range of substances originating in the human or animal body. Substances extracted or expelled from the body could be used to diagnose the health of the individual in a time before microscopes, MRIs and xrays. The by-products of ingested food and drink were valued for their rich chemical nutrients which were harvested for agricultural uses. Saltpetre, harvested from urine, was a key ingredient in gunpowder, driving the availability of artillery and being used in the elaborate firework displays celebrating the peace accords brokered by early modern diplomats. Excretions such as tears and breastmilk were also prized commodities, the former being associated with the bestowing of a divine gift to mystics such as Margery Kempe and the latter not only cementing relationships between women and their infants, but between women of different social statuses via the widespread use of wetnurses. This course thus presents medieval and early modern history from a very different perspective.This course takes an alternate view of history, exploring the past from the perspective of the substances removed, expelled or eliminated from the body as waste products, demonstrating their economic, environmental or symbolic value.Week 1: Blood, phlegm, black bile and yellow bile: Humours, Diagnostics and Treatment<br>Week 2: Liquid gold: fireworks, gunpowder and fertiliser<br>Week 3: ‘Where there’s muck, there’s brass’: Night soil, city ordinances and sanitation<br>Week 4: Crying and Lactating: Faith and sustenance.- Briefly outline the key ways in which different bodily substances and fluids were used in different contexts by medieval and early modern peoples<br>- Explore the relationship between premodern societies and communities and their environments<br>- Understand the significance of each substance in the context of one or more of the following themes: medicine and science, warfare and technology, diplomacy and peace, religion and faith, agriculture, the family and female household/communal networks.<br>- Appreciate the value in exploring history from the perspective of unexpected commodities.No prior knowledge is necesssary. A good standard of English and a willingness to engage constructively and respectfully in class debates/discussions are the only requirements.There will be a PowerPoint presentation with a handout of contemporary sources for discussion. You will be encouraged to share your thoughts and ideas in a relaxed and friendly environment.No extra costs other than note-taking materials, if you wish to take notes.HHS07 'Everybody Hurts': The History of Emotions, Mindsets and Mentalities (online, term 3).HistoryHistory of medicine & sciencevirtual898958HS324NONETue10/11/26 - 01/12/2619:00 - 20:3019:0020:304 sessions (over 4 weeks)41 to 4 weeksWeekdayOnlineOnlineLinsey HunterBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-11-10T00:00:00+00:00EveningNov 2026Culture, history & humanities8989Blood, Guts & Gore: How Human Emissions, Fluids & Excretions shaped ideas & societiesblood-guts-gore-how-human-emissions-fluids-excretions-shaped-ideas-societies/hs324-2627This course takes an alternate view of history, exploring the past from the perspective of the substances removed, expelled or eliminated from the body as waste products, demonstrating their economic, environmental or symbolic value.0000-Available|2026-11-10 00:00:00In the premodern period, little was wasted. This course explores the ingenuity and resourcefulness of medieval and early modern societies and communities in finding diverse uses for a range of substances originating in the human or animal body. Substances extracted or expelled from the body could be used to diagnose the health of the individual in a time before microscopes, MRIs and xrays. The by-products of ingested food and drink were valued for their rich chemical nutrients which were harvested for agricultural uses. Saltpetre, harvested from urine, was a key ingredient in gunpowder, driving the availability of artillery and being used in the elaborate firework displays celebrating the peace accords brokered by early modern diplomats. Excretions such as tears and breastmilk were also prized commodities, the former being associated with the bestowing of a divine gift to mystics such as Margery Kempe and the latter not only cementing relationships between women and their infants, but between women of different social statuses via the widespread use of wetnurses. This course thus presents medieval and early modern history from a very different perspective.This course takes an alternate view of history, exploring the past from the perspective of the substances removed, expelled or eliminated from the body as waste products, demonstrating their economic, environmental or symbolic value.Week 1: Blood, phlegm, black bile and yellow bile: Humours, Diagnostics and Treatment<br>Week 2: Liquid gold: fireworks, gunpowder and fertiliser<br>Week 3: ‘Where there’s muck, there’s brass’: Night soil, city ordinances and sanitation<br>Week 4: Crying and Lactating: Faith and sustenance.- Briefly outline the key ways in which different bodily substances and fluids were used in different contexts by medieval and early modern peoples<br>- Explore the relationship between premodern societies and communities and their environments<br>- Understand the significance of each substance in the context of one or more of the following themes: medicine and science, warfare and technology, diplomacy and peace, religion and faith, agriculture, the family and female household/communal networks.<br>- Appreciate the value in exploring history from the perspective of unexpected commodities.No prior knowledge is necesssary. A good standard of English and a willingness to engage constructively and respectfully in class debates/discussions are the only requirements.There will be a PowerPoint presentation with a handout of contemporary sources for discussion. You will be encouraged to share your thoughts and ideas in a relaxed and friendly environment.No extra costs other than note-taking materials, if you wish to take notes.HHS07 'Everybody Hurts': The History of Emotions, Mindsets and Mentalities (online, term 3).HistoryHistory of medicine & scienceconfigurable
134721178History of medicine & sciencehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/the-history-of-science1/2/285/1177/1178/134721/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/History of medicine & science
