The doctor arrived quickly at the room. He was an older man, with more gray hair than dark, yet still quite energetic. His concern was immediately visible on his face.
"Your Highness, allow me a moment."
He had me lie back down on the bed again, while performing the typical diagnoses to measure my humors. The theory of the four humors had remained quite prevalent since Greek and Roman times, though by the end of the century, it would begin to be discarded due to the discovery of microbes.
I don't have much time.
I needed a way to save myself from the smallpox I was destined to contract within a year, and the invention of the vaccine wouldn't come until the next century. I then recalled the history of its creation.
The vaccine had its origins in variolation, a practice involving grinding fragments of dried pustules from weaker strains of the human smallpox virus obtained from epidemics with low mortality rates, turning them into powder, and introducing them nasally. It was also well-known that those who worked closely with cows or horses often avoided the disease during smallpox outbreaks. These facts inspired the English physician Edward Jenner to develop the first vaccine, specifically against smallpox.
However, the powdered variolation method was used only in the regions I knew as China and India, eventually reaching the Ottoman Empire, where inoculations became popularized thanks to the British Empire. By the time it spread throughout the Ottoman Empire, I would already be dead.
I needed someone capable of performing this procedure properly. I knew only the basics, and for a method that could save my life, I wanted someone who had a clearer understanding of what they were doing. That someone could only be a physician trained or with medical knowledge outside of Europe.
"So... how are the medical classes going?"
I asked, hoping the doctor was also a university professor. It was a desperate attempt.
"Are you referring to the University of Alcalá?"
"Precisely."
Jackpot! Now I just need to investigate a suitable candidate.
"I am glad that you keep us in your thoughts, Your Highness. Despite some bureaucratic issues, we've managed to remain one of Europe's pioneering medical universities. There's nothing to worry about."
"Ah, I see."
Not the answer I expected, but rather the one a university official would give a prince to ease his mind.
"And are these bureaucratic issues due to some changes in the curriculum?"
I wanted to know if they were truly updating their knowledge as they claimed, and this could also give me information about someone capable of performing variolation.
"No, not at all, Your Highness! It's simply a matter of teacher compensation and institutional organization, nothing that threatens our educational quality."
"So, the teaching of humoral theory remains secure?"
"As long as I live, it will."
That was not good news. Perhaps he said it only to comfort me, but it only made me more worried. If Spain wanted to maintain its hegemony, it was crucial to have the best scientists and adapt to new theories. The fact that the crown prince's personal physician and a significant official from one of the country's top universities had such firm conviction in a theory soon to be abandoned was a sign of impending decline.
"Good to know. One last question: Have there been any incidents with other teachers or students due to the current curriculum? I sense your response concealed certain aspects."
The fact that he became so upset with my question about the curriculum might signal something. Additionally, when a superior authority probes deeper than your original statement, you usually end up admitting more than intended unless you're fully prepared for that. The doctor looked perplexed for a moment. He took a deep breath and sighed.
"Your insight is impressive, Your Highness. Over the years, we've had certain disputes with some Portuguese teachers. And now that their students have advanced in their studies, they share the same intention to change the curriculum and oppose us."
With every sentence, the doctor's anger and fury became more evident. It seemed these disputes had a long history, tinted not only by educational or bureaucratic issues but also by political ones.
"What changes do they propose?"
"According to them, they're only seeking improvements in educational quality. They suggest we include teachings and methods from places like the Mughal Empire or the Qing Dynasty. They propose giving greater participation to various people from the different councils in bureaucratic decision-making and increasing teacher payments."
That sounded quite reasonable, but I couldn't tell him that. Unfortunately for him, it appeared I was more aligned with the Portuguese than with the current administration.
"As if we should or even could do such a thing! Their true intentions are crystal clear: they want control of the university to shape physicians and individuals according to their desires. They seek to take something that took centuries to build, and they won't even do it without getting paid! They refuse even a deeper, more structured organization of classes and courses. Each on their own, yet demanding exorbitant pay. Many support their supposed 'restoration.' As if we treated them badly here! If this revolt leads to the separation of the Hispanic Monarchy and they continue teaching here with their demands, I shudder to think what they'll do in our politics and internal affairs."
So there was the political aspect: sovereignty. It surprised me slightly that he couldn't see how the Portuguese Restoration War precisely aimed to recover their people's sovereignty—a concept I'm sure he would defend to the death if it involved the Hispanic Monarchy. Still, I understood where his concerns came from, and the Portuguese teachers didn't seem entirely noble or innocent either.
"Teaching should aim to continue the empire's greatness, to become the best individuals we can be for the next generation, and continue improving. It shouldn't be about becoming rich or manipulating others."
The doctor held quite strong opinions, and it seemed my intervention had only reignited a temporarily subdued fire. He was a true patriot, concerned with the greatness of the land that gave him everything he enjoyed. Unfortunately, he appeared to have his heart in the right place, but his actions and worldview would cause precisely what he feared most.
I placed a hand on his shoulder, trying to comfort him. With a slight smile, I said:
"You are a good man. Never forget that."
He fell silent for a couple of seconds, and I saw his eyes moistening slightly. He quickly knelt before me, head bowed.
"Your Highness, I promise the University of Alcalá will overcome this crisis. I swear it on my life."
Indeed, there was a crisis, just not the one he thought. I rose slowly, still somewhat dizzy.
"Thank you for your loyalty. I know I said earlier that was my last question, but I have another: Who are the Spanish students opposing the current curriculum?"
"Your Highness, don't worry at all. Your motivation alone is enough for me to handle this issue."
As I suspected, he tried to reassure me and do the right thing. But if I didn't find someone capable of performing variolation, I'd be dead in less than a year. His heart was in the right place, but his lack of vision undermined his goals.
"I appreciate your words. However, I'd like to reach out to other compatriots like you with my words. If you know any Spaniard genuinely seeking the empire's best, possibly manipulated by the Portuguese because they sincerely believe in the new curriculum they propose, I'd like to meet them."
The doctor paused thoughtfully, recalling everyone he considered an enemy. Perhaps my words would help him see that not everyone was an enemy, but possible future allies. He looked at me determinedly.
"I believe I know just the right person."