Knowledge and Practice in English Medicine, 1550–1680

This book provides a thorough overview of early modern English medicine, exploring its practices and societal influences. Knowledge and Practice in English Medicine, 1550–1680 highlights significant shifts in medical understanding.

This work offers a comprehensive synthesis of early modern English medicine, exploring its practices within the broader social and cultural contexts of the time. Knowledge and Practice in English Medicine, 1550–1680 delves into various aspects of medical knowledge, including the credibility of remedies and the procedures undertaken by surgeons. It highlights how these practices were influenced by prevailing notions of disease and the importance of preventive medicine in promoting healthy living.

The first section of the book examines the established structures of medical practice and knowledge, which faced significant challenges during the late seventeenth century with the emergence of the 'new science.' This shift began to question the foundations of traditional medical understanding. Yet, as the author illustrates, the deeply rooted practices of early modern medicine continued to thrive well into the eighteenth century, revealing the resilience of these traditions in English culture.

In the concluding chapters, the book discusses the various changes that occurred in medical treatment during this transitional period. These shifts ultimately set the stage for the evolution of medicine in subsequent years. Knowledge and Practice in English Medicine, 1550–1680 serves as an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of medicine and its intricate relationship with society.