The Medical Revolution of the Seventeenth Century

This insightful exploration reveals how medicine transformed in the seventeenth century, influenced by broader societal changes, as detailed in The Medical Revolution of the Seventeenth Century.

In The Medical Revolution of the Seventeenth Century, the author delves into the transformative forces that shaped medicine during a pivotal era. Covering the period from 1630 to 1730, the book highlights how medicine evolved from a peripheral practice to a significant field intertwined with broader social and intellectual currents. The author emphasizes that this evolution was not merely a scientific advancement but was deeply influenced by the intertwined developments in religion, politics, and commerce that characterized the seventeenth century.

The essays within this volume aim to shift the focus of historiography away from the traditional figures of Newton and the so-called 'scientific revolution'. Instead, they provide a contextual understanding of medicine as it was affected by political, religious, and social changes of the time. The book illustrates how these dynamics not only influenced the practice of medicine but also contributed to its growing importance in society.

As the narrative unfolds, religion is revealed as a significant external force driving change, impacting various aspects of life and interacting with the expansion of medical knowledge. Through a careful examination of these connections, The Medical Revolution of the Seventeenth Century offers a comprehensive view of how medicine was reshaped by the tumultuous events of its time.