Revolutionary Medicine 1700-1800

by C. Keith Wilbur

Here are the struggles, the strategies, the odd treatments, and the theories the limited amount of physicians used when the Revolutionary War exploded.

Genres: History, Medicine, Nonfiction, American Revolution, Reference, Research

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Vonze · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative, but hard to read. Not because of the subject matter or writing style, but because the text is printed in a hard-to-read font. I guess they were trying to make the book appear "ole timey" with a font that looks like it was handwritten in 1700-1800. It hurt my eyes to look at it very long. I had a hard time finishing it. I believe my copy is the second edition...if there's newer editions I hope they changed the font!

[Melvin Marsh · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had been waiting to read this book for years, since I had been selected to be an early reviewer for it when it first came out, but it never arrived. I was so interested that I decided I was going to try to buy it on my own. However, what a disappoint it was that I could not get past the sixth page! They made the creative choice to make it look like an old handwritten document/textbook with a very unusual font which made it incredibly difficult to read. I had such a headache, I just had to stop and I *like* history and medicine. I don't know who this was supposed to be aimed for.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

From looking at the front and back cover, you might think this belongs in a children’s library. Especially since the author (who is an MD), wrote a whole series of these books about life and craftsmanship during the Revolution. However, right from the beginning it becomes clear that the intended audience is medical students and physicians. The font is hard to read and requires a lot of focus.

[Eric · Rating 2 out of 5]

All over the place and difficult to follow. Some fascinating details, however.

[Jacci Connell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative, but the font was difficult to read. Also had some detours from the subject; not sure what Paul Revere’s ride had to do with medicine…

[Dave Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling history that describes healthcare evolution from about 1700 to the American revolution. Medicine had, during that timeframe, evolved from butchery (with no insult intended for butchers!) to the beginnings of disciplined science. It has a lot of illustrations (contemporary or appearing so) showing different aspects of medicines, medical devices, et al. We get the medical practices and the rationale behind them (e.g. the application of leeches was not entirely due to the removal of "bad blood') as well as micro-bios of key medical practioners. Good book if you have an interest in the American revolution or medicine. However, even if you don't, you will find yourself picking it up and flipping through it.

[Kai · Rating 3 out of 5]

The information in this book was very interesting; however, I felt the content, writing style, and suggested age ranges did not agree. The author uses some very technical terms that require a fair amount of background knowledge to understand, even though the book is recommended for early middle school readers. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest and some background in medicine, but I would not recommend it as an introduction to medicine for a middle-schooler.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great information, especially for what's supposedly a kids' book. I learned a lot from it. Two cautions: One, 18th century medicine is definitely not for the squeamish! Two, the book is written in a script font (simulating a diary or journal, I suppose) that could be hard to read for people with eye trouble. Otherwise, a good book!

[Marla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Medicine was beyond frightening during our early centuries.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent source for novelists covering this period. The illustrations alone make it a welcome addition to the research shelf.