The Evolution of Preventive Medicine

By Sip Arthur Newsholme, K.C.B., M.D., F.R.C.P. London: Bail I ft re, Tindall and Cox, 1927. Pp. xv Plus 226, with 6 plates. Price, 11s. 6d. net. The value of the study of history and historical ^PPreciation in political and national matters has long been recognised; it is but lately however that the history ?f rnedicine has received its proper place in the medical ^rriculmn, Many leading schools have now chairs in History of Medicine, and students have an opportunity of appreciating the steps by which medicine has become a rational science, and of the lines along which is now proceeding and likely to advance. Sir Arthur ?Newsholme is well known as a medical author, and in addressing himself to the task of writing a short history of the evolution of preventive medicine he has placed the profession under an obligation. A history of preventive medicine is much needed, but Sir Arthur found that the task was so formidable that he had to be content with a shorter sketch than he originally had intended writing. But the shorter book will probably reach a wider circle of readers than the larger volume. The author points out that the proper place of preventive medicine is alongside curative medicine. Only when we understand fully the causation and the remedy for disease can we approach the task of prevention with assurance. The principles of preventive medicine are closely bound up with the history of medical science and the story is an entrancing one to