While I was reading Chapter 2 for class, I was shocked to read about a supposed cure for deafness by doctor named de Carrion (p 43).  His treatment was to shave the tops of their head and apply a salve every night that consisted of brandy, saltpeter, niter, almond oil, and naphtha.  This is really funny, he would speak strongly to the crown of the persons head and the pupil would "receive" a voice and learn to speak.  Later it was decided that his "cure" was a scam.  It shocks me that this was ever even considered.