The Meanings of Sex Difference in the Middle Ages: Medicine, Science, and Culture (Cambridge Studies in the History of Medicine)

by Joan Cadden

Based on history, feminist theory and cultural studies, this text explores the ways in which scientific ideas about sex differences in the later Middle Ages participated in the broader cultural assumptions about gender, the social roles of men and women, purpose of marriage, etc.

Genres: History, Science, Nonfiction, Medieval, History Of Science, Gender and Sexuality, Gender

328 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Joan Cadden is Professor Emerita of medieval history and literature in the History Department of the University of California, Davis.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting approach to viewing medieval medicinal thoughts on women and their reproductive organs. Anyone interested in feminism, medieval history, medical history - you would really enjoy this book. Joan Cradden doesn't make this too complicated - rather quite simple. The research is thorough and summaries interesting. I enjoyed this immensely.
Though, you need somewhere quiet to focus on this!

[Highlyeccentric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't actually finish, but what I did read was excellent. Still haven't found the exact citation for the primary source which sets out in detail how which part of the womb the foetus implants in creates both m/f/other sexes and masculine or feminine traits, though.

[Elizabeth]

ILL

not easy to read because of awkward sentences

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit repetitive after a certain point, but still stays interesting. Really enjoyable and informative read.