Author Description

A collection of original sources for studying the social history of medicine in England from around 1700 to the end of the 19th century. The sources illustrate the main themes in the relationship of medicine to society, especially from the patient's viewpoint. The extracts from diaries, accounts and correspondence include material from record offices and private owners. Material is included from all the English counties and London, as well as national surveys. A minor number of extracts are from well-known sources (for example, Parson Woodforde) not formerly considered a source for the social history of medicine. Topics covered include medical practise and practitioners; nurses and midwives; patients' own accounts of illness; diseases and treatments; mortality; institutions; charities; and the welfare state. Each section has an introduction to the topic, followed by the extracts and suggestions for further reading. A general introduction discusses the sources, where they are to be found, recent research and how to interpret the material.