Ranks of Death: A Medical History of the Conquest of America

by P.M. Ashburn

A scholarly work by the author of "Elements of Military Hygiene", this book makes clear the impact that disease has had on the course of events in half the world. Written to be fascinating and accessible to laymen as well as medical professionals. Provides information on famine, scurvy, slave dysentery, leprosy, yellow jack, the decimation of native peoples in Mexico, and much more.

298 pages, Hardcover

First published July 31, 1980

Reviews

[Bbarr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow at times but well worth reading. A book that provides food for thought regarding its subject matter, the impact of disease aiding the European conquest of the Americas. Written by the highly regarded Army physician Dr. Ashburn a few years before his death in 1940 it is of course dated, both in regards to its subject matter as well as in its racial attitudes. Although it’s worth noting that the worst of that is in the introductory chapter comments by the authors son, who prepared the manuscript for publication after his fathers death.

Overall, despite flaws the book reveals Dr. Ashburn as a caring and empathetic physician possessing a formidable intellect, wit and perceptive insights into his subject matter. The book also provides a useful mental framework to think about humanity’s never ending battle against infectious disease. And is thus thought provoking and relevant during the current COVID pandemic.