Medicine, 1450–1620, and the History of Science

2012/09/01 by Nancy G. Siraisi · 1 citation
Arts and Humanities · #History of Medicine Studies #Historical Philosophy and Science #Medical History and Innovations

paper · doi:10.1086/667970

openalex publication_date 2012/09/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/26

Abstract

History of science and history of medicine are today largely organized as distinct disciplines, though ones widely recognized as interrelated. Attempts to evaluate the extent and nature of their relation have reached varying conclusions, depending in part on the historical period under consideration. This essay examines some characteristics of European medicine from the fifteenth to the early seventeenth century and considers their relevance for the history of science. Attention is given to the range of interests and activities of individuals trained in or practicing medicine, to the impact of changes in natural philosophy, to the role of observation, description, and accumulation of information, and to the exchange of knowledge among the medical community.

Citations

• A View from the Streets: Women and Medical Work in Elizabethan London

Cited by

• History of medicine [wikipedia]

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