The History Of Medicine: A Beginner's Guide

Description

In a world burdened by chronic conditions, mutating viruses, and a health service strained to its limits, the history of medicine challenges our understanding of what it means to be healthy. By illuminating the ailments and methods of the past, our own dilemmas about medical practice and policy can be put into a new perspective. Esteemed historian Mark Jackson takes us from the dawn of medicine in the ancient world to the most recent developments pioneered in the twenty-first century's hospitals. On the way, Jackson explores eastern traditions, as well as the origins of today's "alternative" therapies, offering piercing insight into how medicine has reflected and shaped society throughout the ages.

Reviews

'Lively and accessible. This is much more than a beginner's guide, it will make students think.' -- Linda Bryder, Professor of History, University of Aukland 'The very best one volume history of health and illness available. Clearly written, up-to-date and informative...A great read.' -- Sander Gilman, Professor of Liberal Art and Sciences, Emory University 'The history of medicine does not come more sumptuous than this. In one short book, Jackson has transformed the way we understand the theory and practice of medicine. This is global history at its most sophisticated.' -- Joanna Bourke, Professor of History, Birkbeck College, University of London

Author description

Mark Jackson is Professor of the History of Medicine and Director of the Centre for Medical History at the University of Exeter. Beginning his life as a medical practitioner, he is a highly respected scholar and the author and editor of numerous books and articles on the history of medicine. He lives in Exmouth in the UK.