This book investigates the complex interplay between gender, embodiment, and medical understanding in Victorian society. Bashford examines how prevailing medical theories of the era shaped perceptions of the body, particularly in relation to gender, and how these ideas influenced social norms and individual experiences. The work draws on a range of historical medical texts and social commentary to explore the construction of 'purity' and 'pollution' as they related to the female and male body.

The book is recognized for its detailed examination of how Victorian medicine conceptualized gender and the body, offering insights into the social and cultural implications of these medical ideas. It is often cited in academic discussions concerning the history of gender, medicine, and social history of the Victorian period. The work is appreciated for its scholarly approach and its contribution to understanding the historical construction of embodiment. Its analysis provides a foundation for further research into the intersection of medical science and societal norms.