The Healer's Calling: Women and Medicine in Early New England

Name: The Healer's Calling: Women and Medicine in Early New England
Price: 51.25 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (5 reviews)

4.8 of 5 Stars: History - The Healer's Calling: Women and Medicine in Early New England

$51.25

Buying Options

Description

Book Synopsis: This book, the first to describe women medical practitioners other than midwives in the colonial period, emphasizes that medical care was part of every woman's work. The Healer's Calling uses memorable anecdotes, engaging characters, and medical oddities to tell the fascinating story of the practice of household medicine in early America. Rebecca J. Tannenbaum points out that housewives provided much of the medical care available in the seventeenth century. Elite women cared for the indigent in their towns and used medical practice to make influential connections with powerful men; “doctresses” or “doctor women” supported themselves with their practices and competed directly with male physicians; and midwives were crucial “expert witnesses” in cases of fornication, murder, and witchcraft. Yet there were limits to the authority of women's healing communities, with consequences for those who overstepped the bounds. By setting women's practice in the context of contemporary medicine, gender roles, and community norms, Tannenbaum also reveals the relationship between women's medical practice and witchcraft accusations. Tannenbaum examines colonial America's full range of medical options—including the work of classically trained male doctors and male lay practitioners—with a keen eye to the interactions and tensions between men and women in the realm of healing.

Details

Are you fascinated by the rich history of medicine and the role of women in early America? Look no further than "The Healer's Calling: Women and Medicine in Early New England." This captivating book, the first of its kind, takes you on a journey back in time to uncover the untold stories of women medical practitioners in the colonial period.

Unlike other books on the topic, "The Healer's Calling" goes beyond midwives and explores the integral role that medical care played in the lives of all women. Rebecca J. Tannenbaum masterfully weaves together memorable anecdotes, engaging characters, and intriguing medical oddities to paint a vivid picture of household medicine in early America.

Discover how housewives, often overlooked in historical narratives, provided vital medical care in the seventeenth century. Elite women not only cared for the less fortunate in their towns but also used their medical knowledge to forge powerful connections with influential men. Meanwhile, "doctresses" or "doctor women" defied societal expectations and made a living through their medical practices, effectively competing with their male counterparts.

One particularly fascinating aspect of the book is the role of midwives as "expert witnesses" in cases involving fornication, murder, and witchcraft. Tannenbaum delves into the intricate relationship between women's medical practice and the infamous witchcraft accusations of the time, shedding light on the lesser-known consequences of overstepping societal boundaries.

"The Healer's Calling" offers a comprehensive look at colonial America's medical landscape, exploring the different options available to both men and women. With a keen eye for the interactions and tensions between genders, Tannenbaum delves into the world of classically trained male doctors, male lay practitioners, and the women who dared to challenge convention.

If you're eager to uncover this fascinating piece of history and gain new insights into the relationship between women, medicine, and society, "The Healer's Calling" is a must-read. Don't miss out on this opportunity to delve into a captivating narrative that is both educational and captivating.

Get your copy of "The Healer's Calling: Women and Medicine in Early New England" today!

See All Buying Options...

More Details...