Companion Encyclopedia of the History of Medicine (Hardcover)

Over the last two decades, the discipline of the history of medicine has been growing, and changing in its scope and nature. While traditional approaches - the history of epidemics, of medical theory and practice, of surgery and therapeutics, and of medical science - are today studied in greater depth than ever, the history of medicine now draws increasingly upon the techniques and findings of other, newer disciplines, and is more broadly integrated within the wider histories of science and society. The "Companion Encyclopedia of the History of Medicine" is a comprehensive reference work which surveys all aspects of medical history, and aims to reflect the complementary approaches to the discipline. Its 72 essays are written by scholars from many different areas of expertise. The text provides an account of the development of medical science in its various branches, and includes discussions of the medical profession and its institutions, and the impact of medicine upon populations, economic development, culture, religions, and thought. It also considers the relations between health, medicine, society, and the state.