Catharsis – On the Art of Medicine - Softcover

Szczeklik, Andrzej

4.01

180 ratings by Goodreads

9780226788685: Catharsis – On the Art of Medicine

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0226788687 ISBN 13: 9780226788685

Publisher: University of Chicago Press, 2007

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The ancient Greeks used the term catharsis for the cleansing of both the body by medicine and the soul by art. In this inspiring book, internationally renowned cardiologist Andrzej Szczeklik draws deeply on our humanistic heritage to describe the artistry and the mystery of being a doctor. Moving between examples ancient and contemporary, mythological and scientific, "Catharsis" explores how medicine and art share common roots and pose common challenges. As Szczeklik explores such subjects as the mysteries of heart rhythm, the secret history of pain relief, the enigmatic logic of epidemics, near-death or out-of-body experiences, and many more, he skillfully weaves together classical literature, the history of medicine, and moving anecdotes from his own clinical experiences. The result is a life-affirming book that will enrich the healing work of patients and doctors alike and make an invaluable contribution to our still-expanding vision of the art of medicine.

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Review:

"Drawing on mathematical ideas, physics, music, mythology, clinical science, and clinical practice, Szczeklik never forces the issues or compels.... He approaches the questions of pain, suffering, and death that confront the doctor daily and that the world regards as 'terrible, futile, and destructive.' Here he stresses the immense value of the experienced doctor in helping patients in the loneliness of pain." - Niall O'Higgins, Times Higher Education Supplement "Szczeklik does a convincing job of showing us how, despite modern technology, medicine is still as much an art as it is a science. The general public will enjoy the journey through the mind of this renaissance thinker.... A real gem, this book is highly recommended." - Library Journal, starred review "Catharsis is a masterful restoration of the old etymological links that exist between what is hale and healthy and holy. Andrzej Szczeklik is professor of medicine, but he is also expert in 'the science of the feelings,' which was how William Wordsworth defined poetry. His book is... a timely reminder that health care involves caritas before it involves the economy." - Seamus Heaney"

About the Author:

Andrzej Szczeklik is professor in and chair of the Department of Medicine in the School of Medicine at the Jagiellonian University, Poland. For his scientific contributions to the study of asthma and myocardial infarction, he has received awards from the Royal College of Physicians, Lancet, and the Foundation for Polish Science. Antonia Lloyd-Jones is a translator of Polish literature whose recent translations include Mercedes Benz, a novel by Pawel Huelle, and In the Garden of Memory, a family biography by Joanna Olczak-Ronikier.

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