This is a catalogue of the Edward C. Atwater Collection of rare books dealing with 'popular medicine' in early America which is housed at the University of Rochester Medical School library. The books described in the catalogue were written by physicians and other professionals to provide information for the non-medical audience. The books taught human anatomy, hygiene, temperance and diet, how to maintain health, and how to cope with illness especially when no professional help was available. The books promoted a healthy lifestyle for the readers, giving guidance on everything from physical fitness and recreation to the special health needs of women. The collection consists of works dealing with reproduction (from birth control to delivering and caring for a baby), venereal disease, home-nursing, epidemics, and the need for public sex education. These books, covering areas largely ignored by the medical profession, made important contributions to the health of the American public, and the collection is a vital piece of medical history. The collector is Edward C. Atwater, professor emeritus of medicine and the history of medicine at the University of Rochester Medical School.Christopher Hoolihan is History of Medicine Librarian at the University of Rochester Medical School's Edward G. Miner LIbrary.
Reviews
An unending source of useful information. Not only does he open a window to the rich historical materials of the Atwater collection, but he gives the reader useful insight into the complex relationship between American medicine and the broader culture. ISIS
Details
First Published: 01 Oct 2001
13 Digit ISBN: 9781580460989
Pages: 683
Size: 10 x 7
Binding: Hardback
Imprint: University of Rochester Press
Subject:
History of Science & MedicineBIC Class: MBX
Details updated on 10 Sep 2010
Contents
- 1 Foreward by Julia Sollenberger
- 2 Preface by Edward C. Atwater, MD
- 3 Introduction by Christopher Hoolihan
- 4 List of Illustrations and Tables
- 5 The Catalog A-L
