Originally published in 1977, this book presents a selection of work by historians and sociologists on medicine and society in the 19th century. It concentrates on practitioners and patients, quackery and folk medicine, as elements in the social, cultural, political and economic structure of the community at large.

Introduction. 1. Towards a Social History of Medicine John Woodward and David Richards 2. Popular Theories of Generation: The Evolution of Aristotle’s Works. The Study of an Anachronism Janet Blackman 3. The Early Birth Control Movement: An Example of Medical Self-Help 4. Doctors and Women in Nineteenth Century Society: Sexuality and Role Jean L’Espérance 5. Marginal Men: Aspects of the Social Role of the Medical Community in Sheffield 1790-1850 Ian Inkster 6. General Practitioners and Consultants in Early Nineteenth-Century England: The Sociology of an Intra-Professional Conflict Ivan Waddington.