The medical world of early modern France

by L. W. B. Brockliss

Drawing on an exceptionally wide range of archival and printed sources, The Medical World of Early Modern France offers a unique panoramic view over three centuries of the development of a vital profession within a major European state. The volume analyses the evolution of medical ideas and practices up to the eve of the birth of modern medicine, ranging from Nostradamus to Bichat, from Ambroise Pare to Larrey, and from Louise Bourgeois to Madame du Courdray. In addition, by placing the medical world in its demographic, epidemiological, social, economic, intellectual, and political context, it provides an unparalleled overview of the cultural history of health in France from the Renaissance to the French Revolution. This volume will be of interest to all historians and early modern France and the French Revolution, as well as to social and cultural historians, and to historians of medicine and the professions.