The growth of medicine from the earliest times to about 1800

A clear‑sighted survey of medical development, this work traces the evolution of healing from its earliest recorded practices through the end of the eighteenth century. Written for physicians and students who rarely encounter the discipline’s roots, it balances scholarly accuracy with an engaging narrative that avoids overwhelming footnotes.

The author sketches the contributions of ancient healers, the systematic teachings of Hippocrates and Galen, the transformative discoveries of the medieval monasteries, and the bold experiments of Renaissance innovators. By presenting vivid portraits of the men whose curiosity and perseverance reshaped the field, the book offers both historical insight and timeless examples of professional dedication, making the distant past feel relevant to today’s medical community.