Source: Nathan Belofsky, Strange Medicine: A Shocking History of Real Medical Practices Through the Ages (Penguin, 2013), p. 116. Online at Google Books.
[If only the goat had been from West India. Classic mistake.]
But seriously: Why?
- The best theories, diligently applied: We’ve read the texts, with their mix of ancient traditions, magic, and alchemy. We’re learned!
- Social signaling: We’re doing everything we possibly can! No expense spared! Now no one can blame us!