Showing results for "Public Health" in History

This sweeping exploration of the impact of epidemic diseases looks at how mass infectious outbreaks have shaped society, from the Black Death to today, and in a new preface addresses the global threat of COVID-19. In a clear and accessible style, Frank M. Snowden reveals the ways that diseases have not only influenced medical science and public health, but also transformed the arts, religion, intellectual history, and warfare.

Black Women and Public Health creates an urgently needed interdisciplinary dialogue about issues of race, gender, and health. An enduring history of racism, sexism, and dehumanization of Black women's bodies has largely rendered the health needs of the Black community inaudible and invisible. Grounded in the lived experiences and expertise of Black women, this collection bridges gaps between researchers, practitioners, educators, and advocates.

Delve into one of the pioneering volumes focused on the systematic medical treatment of soldiers amidst the chaos of modern warfare. This remarkable work, crafted by British doctors who served on the front lines during WWI, includes a dedicated chapter on the unique care required for airmen. Be prepared for graphic descriptions of war wounds that may not be suitable for the faint of heart, along with striking images in the original source book. - Summary by BellonaTimes

Ellen Newbold La Motte (1873–1961) was a pioneering American nurse, journalist, and author who made her mark during World War I. In 1915, she bravely volunteered as one of the first American war nurses in Europe, serving in a French field hospital in Belgium. There, she meticulously documented the harrowing realities of war in a candid diary, revealing the grim and often darkly humorous experiences of wounded soldiers. Cynthia Wachtell, a research associate professor of American studies at Yeshiva University, delved into La Mottes life and her powerful war writings. Her explosive book, The ...

By investigating thousands of descriptions of epidemics reaching back before the fifth-century-BCE Plague of Athens to the distrust and violence that erupted with Ebola in 2014, Epidemics challenges a dominant hypothesis in the study of epidemics, that invariably across time and space, epidemics provoked hatred, blaming of the "other", and victimizing bearers of epidemic diseases, particularly when diseases were mysterious, without known cures or preventive measures.

Ellen Newbold La Motte (1873–1961) was an American nurse, journalist, and author who made her mark during World War I. In 1915, she became one of the first American war nurses to volunteer in Europe, where she treated soldiers in a French field hospital in Belgium. La Motte kept a poignant diary that vividly captured the harrowing realities of war. As a professor of American studies who has devoted years to researching her life, I delved into her compelling war writings. Shortly after the war began, La Motte published her groundbreaking book, “The Backwash of War,” which presents a mix ...

In 1862, Louisa May Alcott took on the challenging role of a nurse in Georgetown, D.C., during the tumultuous Civil War. Through her poignant and often humorous letters home, she captured the raw realities of war and the resilience of the human spirit. These powerful accounts were later compiled into the remarkable collection known as Hospital Sketches. (Summary by Aaron Elliott)

The Revolutionary War broke out during a smallpox epidemic, and in response, General George Washington ordered the inoculation of the Continental Army. But Washington did not have to convince fearful colonists to protect themselves against smallpox. In The Contagion of Liberty, Andrew M. Wehrman describes a revolution within a revolution, where the violent insistence for freedom from disease ultimately helped American colonists achieve independence from Great Britain.

An urgent case for how we could have stopped the Covid-19 pandemic—and how to make sure it never happens again "MacKenzie's fascinating book gives us the scope and scale to be able to put this pandemic in perspective and, it begs the question, will we learn from this in time to prevent to next...

Immerse yourself in the captivating life story of Dorothea Dix, a woman who dedicated her life to advocating for the humane treatment of individuals with mental illness. This podcast transports you back to the time when Dix, a young woman exploring foreign lands, connected with like-minded individuals passionate about reforming the treatment of the mentally ill. Upon her return to America, she spearheaded a movement for change and pushed for proper care for those facing mental health challenges, despite facing significant opposition. Her relentless efforts led to transformative social reforms ...

Delve into the captivating lives and monumental accomplishments of pioneering physicians in this volume. Get to know about men who not only carved out specialties, but also etched their names into medical history through the diseases they researched, such as Addison, Bright, and Paget, or institutions they established like Guys Hospital. This is the second of a two-volume collection.

Dive into the lives and achievements of doctors who made history in their field. Journey from the inception of the prestigious Edinburgh School of Medicine, through William Harveys revolutionary work on blood circulation, to the advancements in surgery and Edward Jenners pivotal role in creating vaccines. This is Volume 1 of a two-part series.

Dive into the captivating world of medical history with Dr. Walshs Old-Time Makers of Medicine. This enlightening exploration traces the evolution of modern medicine from ancient times to the dawn of the Age of Exploration. Dr. Walsh uncovers striking parallels between contemporary practices and those anticipated centuries ago, highlighting how ancient healers harnessed the bodys innate ability to heal rather than relying solely on external remedies. Discover the early recognition of the placebo effect and the foundational training methods that foreshadow our current medical education systems....

Dive into the insightful manuscript of Sir William Oslers lectures on the Evolution of Modern Medicine, delivered at Yale University in 1913. As the father of modern clinical medicine, Osler masterfully guides us through the fascinating history of medicine, tracing its journey from ancient practices to contemporary advancements, including the significant rise of preventive medicine. Written for a general audience, this classic work is both captivating and enlightening, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the realms of healthcare, medicine, and history. - Summary by Cao Yuqing

During the tumultuous years of the First World War, the Royal Army Medical Corps stood as a vital lifeline for British and Allied troops, whether they were engaged in fierce battles on the frontlines or involved in various military operations across the vast theaters of war. As the conflict raged on and the battlefront expanded from Europe to the Middle East, the demand for medical support surged, necessitating the rapid establishment of extensive medical facilities to care for the increasing number of wounded, sick, and maimed soldiers needing urgent attention. The British and Allied forces ...

Dive into this captivating 1922 collection of essays that intricately weave together the lives of notable historical figures through a unique lens of medical and psychological analysis. Featuring well-crafted biographies of icons such as Anne Boleyn, Jeanne D’Arc, The Empress Theodora, and Napoleon I, this work not only chronicles their life stories but also examines how their health influenced their actions and legacies. With an insightful conclusion reflecting on the nature of death, the author challenges the often overlooked connection between history and medicine, urging readers to ...

Discover the inspiring journey of the first woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. She recounts her challenges in gaining admission to medical school—at one point even advised to pose as a man—while sharing her transformative experiences during her studies. Her narrative highlights her dedication to patient care and her pivotal role in establishing medical schools and hospitals specifically for women. Summary by Phyllis Vincelli.

Nurse and Spy is a captivating account of one womans extraordinary experiences as she served on the front lines of the Civil War. Over the course of two years, she not only nursed the wounded but also assumed the perilous role of a spy, infiltrating enemy lines in various disguises—successfully completing this hazardous mission eleven times without ever being detected. Her time in the “Secret Service” and her dedicated work in hospitals are filled with thrilling and poignant stories that bring to life the struggles and triumphs of those turbulent times. - Summary from the ...

Published in 1925, this captivating collection of essays serves as a sequel to its predecessor, delving into the lives of renowned figures through the lens of medical and psychological analysis. Each biography thoughtfully examines the interplay between health and the pivotal moments in the lives of historical icons such as Samuel Johnson, King Henry VI, Henry VIII, Mary Tudor, Queen Elizabeth I, Ivan the Terrible, and many others. The author, drawing upon a unique perspective as a doctor, argues that the health conditions of these leaders have often been overlooked by historians. With ...

In her powerful autobiography, Margaret Sanger, a pioneering advocate for birth control rights, recounts her extraordinary journey filled with challenges, including her time in jail and her exile, all in the name of legalizing birth control for women. She shares the relentless battles she faced not just with lawmakers, but also with the medical community. Set against the rich backdrop of courtrooms, her personal experiences, and her travels around the world, Sangers story provides a captivating glimpse into the societal changes during and after World War I. This compelling narrative is ...