An Introduction to the Social History of Medicineis a one-volume, detailed survey of the major debates and themes in the history of western medicine, from the early modern period to the present. Combining specialized knowledge with new ways of thinking about the subject, this lucidly written, illustrated text brings together the latest research with a fresh approach to the history of medicine and explores traditional views and questions existing orthodoxies. Features: - Surveys the major topics and themes in the history of medicine - Assesses current historiography - Covers the experience of sickness, as well as its treatment - Provides chronologies and guides to further reading to aid further study This accessible but challenging new textbook is the essential introduction to the history of medicine.