Written by members of the Academic Unit of the Wellcome Institute for the History of Medicine, London, the world's leading centre for the history of medicine, this book surveys the Western medical tradition in all its aspects from the Greeks until 1800 AD, and in its transformations and transplantations into the world of Islam and the Americas. As well as describing the diseases, medical theories, and medical therapies of the past, it places them in a wide social context, and discusses religious and alternative healing as well as major advances in medicine, surgery. and pharmacology. It includes the accounts of patients as well as of their healers, the pains of childbirth and the preparations for death. Although major figures are covered in detail, this is not a history of great men and great moments in medicine, but an attempt to understand the limitations as well as the triumphs of medicine in pre-modern society. The very latest findings of medical historians are here presented in a lively form accessible to all who are interested in the formation of modern ideas on health and healing. The book provides essential reading as a new synthesis for all students of the history of medicine.
Industry Reviews
'The Western Medical Tradition is an extremely important publication which is certain to remain the best introduction to the history of pre-1800 western medicine for the next decade. Elegantly written and beautifully illustrated, it is a delight to read and re-read. Even the copious index is a work of art.' Laurence Brockliss, Medical History '... a book which many non-professional historians, especially doctors, will find challenging and provocative.' Pietro Corsi, British Medical Journal 'From the healers of ancient Greece to the first innoculations, this definitive book spans the history of treating ailments within the cultural, political and religious contexts of historical Western Europe. An essential book for those with a medical slant.' New Scientist 'This excellent book paints a picture of the history of medicine as a vital and complex interaction between sick people, society and, to a lesser degree, doctors. In doing so it makes an excellent case for the subject being an integral part of modern medical education and for its relevance to many of the pressing medical issues of today. I hope this beautifully written and illustrated work is read widely and appreciated for what it is - a genuine contribution to our understanding of the complexities and difficulties of the provision of health care in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. It is a major tribute to the Wellcome Unit and to the work of the Wellcome Trust in maintaining and developing this discipline.' Sir David Weatherall, Times Higher Education Supplement 'The Western Medical Tradition is a beautifully produced book ... and has what I call a high 'caressability' factor.' Pia Pini, The Lancet '... this book is invaluable ... The authors, publishers and the Wellcome Trust are to be congratulated on a timely, attractive and inexpensive contribution towards a public understanding of medicine's deeper past.' J. V. Pickstone, Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine 'There is much to admire in The Western Medical Tradition. It is an excellent, comprehensive work which easily supersedes the existing standard survey histories. The scholarship is up to the minute ... the text is well written, and the expertise of the authors is obvious.' British Journal for the History of Science 'This is an excellent book which we strongly recommend to the readers of this journal. it is clearly a 'must' for everybody who takes a serious interest in the history of medicine, but it can also be read as intellectual entertainment by anyone who wishes to know something about the traditions of medicine.' Henrik R. Wulff and Morten Skydsgaard, Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy ' ... for all those who now seek an authoritative account of the western tradition, who want to read a series of subtle essays, or who wish to look up answers to key questions, this book is invaluable. The authors, publishers and the Wellcome Trust are to be congratulated on a timely, attractive and inexpensive contribution towards a public understanding of medicine's deeper past'. J. V. Pickstone, Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
