Primitive and archaic medicine

Abstract

Medical theories always represent one aspect of the general civilization of a period, and in order to understand them fully we must be familiar with the other manifestations of that civilization, its philosophy, history, literature, art, music... a study of Michelangelo, Tintoretto, or Bernini may give us a clue for a better understanding and more correct historical interpretation of William Harvey. So wrote Henry Sigerist in the introductory chapters of this fascinating account of the interrelationships between medicine and culture. Sigerist was uniquely qualified to attempt such a vast task--trained in medicine and the social sciences, master of fourteen languages, at the time of his death in 1957 he was already recognized as the foremost medical historian of this century. Using resources from the fields of history, philosophy, art history, medical archeology, and geography, he paints a vivid picture of ancient society and medicine. Both historians and scientists will find this book stimulating and accessible.

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