ABSTRACT
Renaissance was a period full of religious and supernatural concepts and practices distant from the contemporary scientific world. Some erratic behaviors were considered demonic possessions and treated by exorcisms. It is supported by many sources. However, some important sources of the Renaissance point to a different picture. They show trends towards naturalistic explanations of many diseases, including epilepsy. This critical review discusses this approach, using texts by Mondino de' Luzzi and Leonardo da Vinci. However, more than an historical study, this review considers the passage from religious and supernatural practices to modern science. Contemporary consequences of that passage are considered, considering this Special Issue of Epilepsy & Behavior.
