Did another kind of medicine exist in addition to the official one? In its history, academic medicine is more often concerned with the authorities than with the patients. It constantly refers to the doctrine of the fathers of medicine which argues on a theoretical basis up until the sixteenth century, and then discusses it with the rigour of the experimental method. Just think of long life of the theory of the humours in medicine, which had nothing to do with modern science.
This "other medicine" was about remedies, from the long tradition of domestic, artisanal and officinal care, practiced in homes, by female healers, wandering charlatans or in monasteries. Medicina pauperum: "a poor medicine for poor people" (Cosmacini p. 248). It was carried on by oral tradition for obvious reasons, but became very popular through print in the mid-sixteenth century, especially in vernacular and in Italy, in the so-called books of secrets, caprices, elucidarium, treasures, jewels, recipes and remedies. The books of secrets get their name from the desire to reveal the secrets of nature, but with an approach that was more utilitarian than magical, with the idea, namely, that the occult forces of nature could be dominated through proper techniques. The works, therefore, collected medicinal recipes but also practical tips for everyday life, kitchen recipes, tips for storing food, cosmetic remedies or alchemical and proto-chemical formulas for the preparation of oils, dyes or wine, as well as ways to remove stains.