The History of Medicine, As Written by Its Founders, Volume 1: From the Hammurabi Code to the Canon of Medicine

"The History of Medicine, As Written by Its Founders, Volume 1: From the Hammurabi Code to the Canon of Medicine presents a thoughtful overview of the original writings of those considered to be the Fathers of Medicine. The selections encourage readers to reach back through time and examine the views of Hammurabi, Hippocrates, Galen of Pergamon, and others. The works featured in this text effectively represent the original authors, and convey their unique contributions to medical knowledge. By reflecting on the words of these creators of the field of medicine, today's readers gain insight into how medicine was, and can be, advanced.

Each chapter of The History of Medicine begins with excerpts of the work under discussion. Significant highlights of the piece are noted to enhance understanding. The selections cover over a thousand years of writing on medicine. Beginning with a detailed examination of The Hammurabi Code, the book moves onto Mesopotamian medicine, surgery and medicine in Egyptian times, and medical practice in the early Common Era. It concludes with Avicenna of Afshana and the Canon of Medicine.

This examination of the founding of medicine as we know it today provides readers with an excellent opportunity to more fully understand contemporary healthcare. The History of Medicine provides a sound, thoughtful survey that will benefit medical students, and those studying medical history.

Luis Horacio Toledo-Pereyra is a professor of surgery at Michigan State University, Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies. He is also an adjunct professor of history at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he has taught the history of medicine to college students for 21 years.