Maladies of Empire: How Colonialism, Slavery, and War Transformed Medicine

Name: Maladies of Empire: How Colonialism, Slavery, and War Transformed Medicine
Price: 26.95 USD
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Rating: 4.4 (66 reviews)

4.4 of 5 Stars: History - Maladies of Empire: How Colonialism, Slavery, and War Transformed Medicine

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Book Synopsis: A sweeping global history that looks beyond European urban centers to show how slavery, colonialism, and war propelled the development of modern medicine. Most stories of medical progress come with ready-made heroes. John Snow traced the origins of London’s 1854 cholera outbreak to a water pump, leading to the birth of epidemiology. Florence Nightingale’s contributions to the care of soldiers in the Crimean War revolutionized medical hygiene, transforming hospitals from crucibles of infection to sanctuaries of recuperation. Yet histories of individual innovators ignore many key sources of medical knowledge, especially when it comes to the science of infectious disease. Reexamining the foundations of modern medicine, Jim Downs shows that the study of infectious disease depended crucially on the unrecognized contributions of nonconsenting subjects–conscripted soldiers, enslaved people, and subjects of empire. Plantations, slave ships, and battlefields were the laboratories in which physicians came to understand the spread of disease. Military doctors learned about the importance of air quality by monitoring Africans confined to the bottom of slave ships. Statisticians charted cholera outbreaks by surveilling Muslims in British-dominated territories returning from their annual pilgrimage. The field hospitals of the Crimean War and the US Civil War were carefully observed experiments in disease transmission. The scientific knowledge derived from discarding and exploiting human life is now the basis of our ability to protect humanity from epidemics. Boldly argued and eye-opening, Maladies of Empire gives a full account of the true price of medical progress.

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Experience a revolutionary perspective on the history of medicine with "Maladies of Empire." This compelling global narrative delves deep into the impact of colonialism, slavery, and war on the evolution of modern medical practices. Discover how the study of infectious diseases was shaped by the contributions of often overlooked individuals such as conscripted soldiers, enslaved people, and subjects of empire. Uncover the hidden stories behind medical breakthroughs that have laid the foundation for our understanding of epidemics today.

Unlike traditional medical histories that focus solely on heroic figures, "Maladies of Empire" sheds light on the harsh realities of medical advancement. From the laboratories of plantations to the battlefields of wars, this book reveals how physicians gleaned vital insights by observing and experimenting on nonconsenting individuals. Gain a fresh perspective on the sacrifices made and the knowledge gained in the pursuit of medical progress that continues to shape our healthcare systems.

Dive into the captivating world of medical discovery with "Maladies of Empire." Author Jim Downs challenges conventional narratives to highlight the invaluable yet oftentimes unethical sources of medical knowledge. Explore the intricate connections between disease transmission, air quality monitoring, and epidemic management across different historical contexts. Prepare to be enlightened, shocked, and ultimately empowered by the untold stories behind our present-day understanding of global health challenges.

Ready to embark on a transformative journey through the hidden corners of medical history? Delve into the pages of "Maladies of Empire" and unearth the complex interplay between power, knowledge, and sacrifice that have shaped our modern healthcare landscape. Order your copy today and discover a fresh perspective on the origins of medical progress.

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