An Informal History of American Medicine from the Colonial Era through the 20th Century

American medicine defies simple characterization. Its history is filled with as much triumph as controversy, which may explain why the delivery of health care in America is described as both the best and the worst of any industrialized country in the world. This book examines the convoluted course of medical practice in America from its roots in rural colonial society to the end of the 20th century. This story is chronicled through narratives of major events, famous individuals, and professional organizations and institutions. Unlike most historical treatises on medicine, the stories in this book evenly explore accomplishment and misadventure. In many ways, mishap and calamity have done more to steer American medicine to its current position than the exploitation of science and technology. The diversity of medical practice from the conflict over smallpox inoculation and the building of the Mayo Clinic to the disgrace of the Tuskegee affair are brough to life in 26 chapters. These narratives also place in perspective the conflicting tenets of American medicine: humanitarianism and commercialism.