During the twentieth century, medicine has been radically transformed and powerfully transformative. In 1900, western medicine was important to philanthropy and public health, but it was marginal to the state, the industrial economy and the welfare of most individuals. It is now central to these aspects of life. Our prospects seem increasingly dependent on the progress of bio-medical sciences and genetic technologies which promise to reshape future generations.
The editors of Medicine in the Twentieth Century have commissioned over forty authoritative essays, written by historical specialists but intended for general audiences. Some concentrate on the political economy of medicine and health as it changed from period to period and varied between countries, others focus on understandings of the body, and a third set of essays explores transformations in some of the theatres of medicine and the changing experiences of different categories of practitioners and patients.

Reviews

'Was the twentieth century really the 'golden age' of medicine? The difficulty is that the field is too vast for any individual to answer this question - and until now, no comprehensive treatment of the era has been available. 'Medicine in the Twentieth Century' triumphantly overcomes this dilemma. Its wide-ranging coverage by over 40 world experts is not limited to western medicine, but includes consideration of the Third World, China, and the Soviet Union. No serious student of the era can afford to be without it.' - Stephen Lock, MD, Professor of Medicine and Editor of the British Medical Journal 1975-1991.

'A tour de force - this expansive synthesis is the best and most ambitious exploration we have of medicine in the twentieth-century. The nearly four dozen contributors that Cooter and Pickstone have commissioned to fill their bold canvas are historiographically sophisticated and thoroughly engaging, This book is indispensable reading for anyone who wants to understand the place and power of medicine in twentieth-century culture and the ongoing debates surrounding the nature of medicine in modern society.' - John Harley Warner, Yale University

'The 46 chapters in this book are interesting and well written ... the scholarship is apparent and individual chapters combine to create a well-balanced history of twentieth century medicine.' - E-Streams

'This volume poses enough salient questions to set research agendas for some time.' - W.F. Bynum, University College London

'An interesting and broad treatment of the history of medicine in the twentieth century ... well written and easy to read ... I would highly recommend this title to all health professionals, historians and the general-public as a broad insight into how infuential the practice of medicine has been to life during the past 100 years.' - Lindsey Baker, Reference Reviews

'The Companion to Medicine in the Twentieth Century has already deservedly found a place in most history of medicine courses' reading lists as a set text and I would recommend it highly to students of nursing and nursing history at all levels as a valuable reference work and a most enjoyable and rewarding read.' - Nursing Enquiry

'Was the twentieth century really the 'golden age' of medicine? The difficulty is that the field is too vast for any individual to answer this question - and until now, no comprehensive treatment of the era has been available. 'Medicine in the Twentieth Century' triumphantly overcomes this dilemma. Its wide-ranging coverage by over 40 world experts is not limited to western medicine, but includes consideration of the Third World, China, and the Soviet Union. No serious student of the era can afford to be without it.' - Stephen Lock, MD, Professor of Medicine and Editor of the British Medical Journal 1975-1991.

'A tour de force - this expansive synthesis is the best and most ambitious exploration we have of medicine in the twentieth-century. The nearly four dozen contributors that Cooter and Pickstone have commissioned to fill their bold canvas are historiographically sophisticated and thoroughly engaging, This book is indispensable reading for anyone who wants to understand the place and power of medicine in twentieth-century culture and the ongoing debates surrounding the nature of medicine in modern society.' - John Harley Warner, Yale University

Book Information
ISBN 9780415286039
Author Roger Cooter
Format Paperback
Page Count 776
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 1440g