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01-12-2012 | Invited Editorial

Congenital malformations: from superstition to understanding

Author: J. Bruce Beckwith

Published in: Virchows Archiv | Issue 6/2012

Excerpt

Throughout most of human history, congenital anomalies were perceived as omens, portents, or punishments of supernatural origin. This concept is reflected in the term “monster,” probably derived from the Latin verb monstrare (to show or reveal). Other explanations for congenital abnormalities included witchcraft, astrological configurations, or emotional experiences of the pregnant mother. Malformed humans and animals also inspired many of the characters populating the literature, mythology, art, and religion of every culture. …

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Title: Congenital malformations: from superstition to understanding
Author: J. Bruce Beckwith
Publication date: 01-12-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Virchows Archiv / Issue 6/2012
Print ISSN: 0945-6317
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2307
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00428-012-1330-z

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Congenital malformations: from superstition to understanding

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