Companion to Medicine in the Twentieth Century (Routledge world reference) Book

In 1900, western medicine was important to philanthropy and public health, but it was marginal to the state, the industrial economy and the welfare of most individuals. It is now central to these aspects of life. Our prospects seem increasingly dependent on the progress of bio-medical sciences and genetic technologies which promise to reshape future generations.

Now available in paperback, Medicine in the Twentieth Century includes over forty authoritative essays, written by historical specialists but intended for general readers. Some concentrate on the political economy of medicine and health as it changed from period to period and varied between countries, others focus on understandings of the body and a third set of essays explores transformations in some of the theatres of medicine and the changing experiences of different categories of practitioners and patients.