History of Medicine

Few medical schools are able to accord medical history its due. Although its value to the student is generally conceded, overcrowded curricula have, for the most part, allotted little time and guidance in that direction. Doctor Mettler's outstanding contribution may enable the student to achieve the desired background by his own efforts. Aside from the intrinsic merits of the work, its unique value stems from the original arrangement of the subject matter. The author states that one of her prime objectives was to "supply the student with an introduction to the principles underlying the development of the fields embraced in the medical curriculum, and an opportunity to become familiar with those men who have contributed to the progress of medical sciences." Accordingly, the material is presented essentially in parallel with any representative medical curriculum, passing from the various preclinical sciences to the clinical fields, and finally to the specialties. The student, therefore, has at his disposal, perhaps for the first time in one volume, the history of the various fields, and may integrate this with the current concepts as they are presented. There is little doubt that this work will take its place with the few significant medical histories available in the English language. -M. TAGER