Spreading Germs: Disease Theories and Medical Practice in Britain, 1865–1900 (Cambridge Studies in the History of Medicine) - Softcover

Worboys

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521034477 ISBN 13: 9780521034470

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2008

Synopsis

Spreading Germs discusses how modern ideas on the bacterial causes of communicable diseases were constructed and spread within the British medical profession in the last third of the nineteenth century. Michael Worboys surveys many existing interpretations of this pivotal moment in modern medicine. He shows that there were many germ theories of disease, and that these were developed and used in different ways across veterinary medicine, surgery, public health and general medicine. The growth of bacteriology is considered in relation to the evolution of medical practice rather than as a separate science of germs.

About this title

Review:

"Overall, Worboys's monograph is a challenging and extremely readable medical history of germs. It will be essential reading for students taking history of medicine programs." William H. Brock, Isis

"...the book reveals - and re-defines - a fascinating international picture of evolving germ theories involving complex interactions between scientific theoreticians and medical and veterinary practitioners...I would recommend this as essential reading for anyone with an interest in the history of biomedical science and public health." Nursing History Review

"In Spreading Germs, Worboys deepens and clarifies our understanding of biomedical science, both on its own terms and in its larger sociopolitical context." Perspectives in Biology and Medicine

"...a competent, scholarly presentation of its subject..." Albion

"Worboys has provided a significant piece of scholarship as he considers the relationship between changing disease theory and medical practice. It is a great addition to the history of medicine, and could well be instuctive to historians of any field." Journal of World History

Book Description:

Spreading Germs discusses how modern ideas on the bacterial causes of communicable diseases were constructed and spread within the British medical profession in the last third of the nineteenth century. Michael Worboys surveys many existing interpretations of this pivotal moment in modern medicine.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0521034477
• ISBN 13: 9780521034470
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 348