ABSTRACT
The field of medical anthropology, despite the fact that it has undergone explosive growth both in literature and in the number of individuals identifying themselves as medical anthropologists, has suffered a number of “personality” problems. As medical anthropological research and thinking continue to increase in breadth and depth, as goals and methods become more clearly focused and theoretical and conceptual models begin to pay richer dividends, the growing pains of adolescence will become transformed into the assurances and solidities of maturity. A history of medical anthropology is important in itself, so that reviews and assessments such as this one as well as research, can be placed in a temporal and culture-historical framework. In historical and ethnohistorical studies, medical anthropologists must exercise utmost care in the use and interpretation of documentary materials. The best proof of Geertz’ compelling propositions is found in his brilliant descriptions of Javanese religion, or social and economic change at village and national levels of Javanese life.
