ABSTRACT

'Twenty-first century medicine is just the current stage of a never-ending journey of tremendous complexity. Those of us who are fortunate enough to practise in this day and age do so in ways that are themselves the results of huge changes over many centuries - advances in areas such as medication and surgical and imaging techniques and developments in our understanding of the human body and its attendant threats through genetics. Add to that list the huge social and societal changes in public health, attitudes to illness and changes in ethical viewpoints, and we find ourselves at the current forefront of medical evolution but nowhere near the end of this particular journey.' From the Foreword by Paul Lazarus This fascinating book brings to life the history of medicine in Britain since 1600. Throughout the historical account the authors cover mainstream clinical issues but also make reference to the importance of literature and art, presenting a wide-ranging view of the past. It also incorporates milestones in other cultures and epochs, where appropriate, for a balanced overview. The concise, self-contained sections are a joy to read and can be easily dipped into. The majority of chapters include suggested questions for students, assisting group discussion. It is ideal for medical and healthcare course organisers, lecturers and tutors who require a rapid resource of information in their subject area - be it cardiovascular disease, emergency medicine or child protection - to provide context, interest and entertainment for their students. It is also highly recommended as the basis for a programme of seminars on the history of medicine.

chapter |8 pages

Introduction

part Section 1|23 pages

Emergency!

chapter 1|2 pages

Heroic patients

chapter 2|2 pages

War wounds and amputees

chapter 4|3 pages

Accidents in the workplace

chapter 5|2 pages

Primary care begins at home

chapter 7|2 pages

The history of resuscitation in England

part Section 2|26 pages

The pleasures of life: food, drink, drugs and sex

part Section 3|18 pages

The facts of life: women, health and medicine

part Section 4|32 pages

Infection, immunity and public health

chapter 2|3 pages

Health and livelihood

chapter 3|5 pages

From variolation to vaccination

chapter 4|3 pages

The germ theory of disease

chapter 5|3 pages

Syphilis, self-pollution and stigma

chapter 6|3 pages

'Flu pandemics of the twentieth century

chapter 7|5 pages

Child welfare

chapter 8|3 pages

Water as a historical force

part Section 5|31 pages

The challenges of life: childhood, disability, ageing and mental illness

chapter 1|3 pages

Child safeguarding

chapter 3|5 pages

Broken bones and failing joints

chapter 4|5 pages

Ageing and the good death

chapter 5|2 pages

What price immortality?

chapter 6|5 pages

Madness and fear

chapter 7|5 pages

Mind and brain

part Section 7|26 pages

Practising medicine: interventions and cures

part Section 8|18 pages

Healers and health carers

chapter 1|5 pages

From spicer to pharmacist

chapter 3|3 pages

The origins of physiotherapy

chapter 4|5 pages

The shifting sands of health management