The History of Medicine, As Written by Its Founders, Volume 2: From Roger's Chirurgia (1170) to Venarum Ostiolis (1603)

The History of Medicine, As Written by Its Founders, Volume 2: From Roger's Chirurgia (1170) to Venarum Ostiolis (1603) presents the progression of the medical discipline from the late Middle Ages to the Renaissance, as represented by the masters of the time. This thoughtful overview of the original writings of those considered to be the Founders of Medicine encourages readers to reach back through time and examine the views of Roger Frugard, Guy de Chauliac, Leonardo Da Vinci, Andreas Vesalius, Ambroise Pare, and others. By reflecting on the words of these creators of the field of medicine and surgery, today's readers gain insight into how medicine was, and can be, advanced.

The selections cover five hundred years of writing on medicine, beginning with Roger's Chirurgia in 1170 and ending with the work of Girolamo Hieronymus Fabricius in 1603. Each chapter of The History of Medicine, Volume 2 begins with an excerpt of the work under discussion. The words of the original authors teach modern readers how they saw and appreciated medicine as it was practiced during their own period of active professional participation. Significant highlights of each piece are noted to enhance understanding. Chapters also give historical highlights of the periods and personalities in question, as well as brief remarks about the nature of the works.

This examination of the founding of medicine as we know it today provides readers with an excellent opportunity to more fully understand contemporary healthcare. The History of Medicine, Volume 2 is a sound, thoughtful review that will benefit medical students and those studying medical history.

Luis Horacio Toledo-Pereyra is a professor of surgery at Michigan State University, Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies. He is also an adjunct professor of history at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he has taught the history of medicine to college students for 21 years.