Problems and Methods in the History of Medicine

This collection explores various approaches in medical history, emphasizing the interplay between quantitative and qualitative data. Problems and Methods in the History of Medicine is a key resource for scholars.

Originally published in 1987, Problems and Methods in the History of Medicine is a collection of scholarly papers that survey and evaluate the various approaches and techniques utilized in the historical study of medicine. The book highlights both historical practices and the evolving methodologies that have emerged over time. It examines the influence of movements such as the Annales School and the increasing role of computers in medical history research.

The collection places a significant emphasis on historical practice rather than isolating methodology, providing a comprehensive view of how medical history has been approached. In addition to the primary topics covered, the book also delves into the complexities of historical demography, exploring how population data can inform our understanding of medical practices through time.

A common thread throughout Problems and Methods in the History of Medicine is the relationship between quantitative 'hard' data and qualitative 'soft' data. This interplay is crucial in understanding how historical narratives are constructed and the implications of different data types in shaping our knowledge of medical history. The book serves as an essential resource for scholars and students interested in the evolution of medical historiography and the methodologies that continue to develop in this field.