Medical Knowledge

Sociologists, historians, epidemiologists, and human biologists put the construction of medical knowledge under their microscopes. They examine modern culture and the co-existence of lay beliefs, alternative and contemporary therapies, and orthodox scientific views of health and disease. Three case studies (concerning tuberculosis, blood, and hysteria) are presented, representing the historical development of medical knowledge. The social aspects of medicine are considered, including the cultural factors affecting medical practice, the place of ritual, the use of medicine as a tool for social control, and issues of trust and communication between doctor and patient. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Clive Seale is Professor of Sociology at Goldsmiths' College at the University of London. Stephen Pattison is Reader in the Department of Religious and Theological Studies at Cardiff University. Basiro Davey is Senior Lecturer in Health Studies at the Department of Biological Sciences at the Open University.