Encyclopedia of Medical History

Macmillan Press London - Macmillan Reference Books - 7 3/4" x 9 1/2" with 400 pages. This unique encyclopedia combines narrative, medical history, and scientific information in a fascinating approach to disease, society, and humanity. Over one hundred articles include such topics as the history of the major diseases, medical specialties, medicine in various cultures, selected instruments, procedures, and healing substances; all are discussed in light of their social, cultural, political, and economic aspects. Of special interest are the comprehensive narratives on epidemics, such as bubonic plague, cholera, polimyelitis, and tuberculosis. Articles on the ancient near east and on medical traditions of China and India, as well as the Egyptian, Hebrew, Greco-Roman, and medieval medical cultures. The encyclopedia includes cross-references, bibliographies, and suggestions for further reading following each article. An analytic index provides easy access to noteworthy people mentioned in the text. Medical specialists, historians, teachers, students, and general readers will be intrigued by this collection of essays.

Intended for general readers as well as historians and physicians, this unusual book provides topical access to 103 broad subjects in the history of medicine. This subject approach moves users away from the traditional ``great man in history'' towards a conceptual context, but there is also a very detailed personal name approach provided by an extensive index. Coverage is limited to clinical medical topics, both current and historical. Genetics, for example, is not listed as a topic nor does it appear in the index, and biochemistry is covered under ``clinical medicine.'' Detailed articles are cross referenced and include short bibliographies. McGrew, a professor of history at Temple University and a specialist in disease in history, has written a contemporary companion to Fielding Garrison's classic history of medicine. It belongs on the shelves of both public and college libraries. Frances Groen, McGill Univ. Medical Lib., Montreal
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.