Medical History

This book explores a theoretically rich discipline, one that constantly engages with major social questions about ethics, bodies, state power, disease, public health and mental disorder. It provides teachers and students with an account of the changing nature of medical history research since it first emerged as a distinct discipline in 19th-century Germany. It covers the theoretical development of medical history and evaluates the various approaches adopted by doctors, historians and sociologists.

Synthesising historiographical material ranging from the 19th to 21st centuries, Medical History provides a concise but comprehensive overview of the key theoretical debates in medical history, encouraging readers to consider the potential uses of medical history to medical practice and historiographical debate.