Subject
Medicine, Popular -- Early works to 1800 Books
Best books
William Buchan
Domestic medicine : $b or, a treatise on the prevention and cure of diseases by regimen and simple medicines. With an appendix, containing a dispensatory for the use of private practitioners
"Domestic Medicine: or, a treatise on the prevention and cure of diseases" by William Buchan is a medical treatise written in the late 18th century. This publication serves as a guide to the general public, outlining methods for preventing and treating illnesses through lifestyle choices, diet, and simple medicines, as well as addressing nursing and managing children's health. The work emphasizes the importance of understanding health principles to navigate medical care effectively and minimize reliance on physicians in less accessible situations. The opening of the book establishes the author’s commitment to improving medical knowledge among the public while highlighting the need for basic health education, particularly concerning the care of children and the influence of parents on their offspring’s health. Buchan begins by discussing the impact of proper nursing and regimen on child mortality, reporting alarming statistics about infant deaths attributed to inadequate care and poor lifestyle choices. Additionally, he criticizes the common medical practices of his time, calling for a more intuitive and less secretive approach to healthcare that empowers individuals to take charge of their own well-being and that of their families.
pseud. Aristotle
Aristotle's works: Containing the Master-piece, Directions for Midwives, and Counsel and Advice to Child-bearing Women with Various Useful Remedies
"Aristotle's works" by a pseudo-Aristotle is a sex manual and midwifery book first published in 1684. Falsely attributed to the ancient philosopher, this anonymous work became one of early modern England's most widely reprinted medical texts. It frankly addresses topics from sexual pleasure and anatomy to pregnancy and childbirth, acknowledging women's sexuality in ways later centuries would suppress. Based on outdated humoral theory, it remained in print into the twentieth century, offering intimate guidance to generations of readers.
Hannah Woolley
The Queen-like Closet or Rich Cabinet Stored with all manner of rare receipts for preserving, candying and cookery. Very pleasant and beneficial to all ingenious persons of the female sex
"The Queen-like Closet or Rich Cabinet" by Hannah Woolley is a cookery book published in 1670. This influential household management guide contains nearly 600 recipes spanning medicinal cordials, sweet-meats, meat dishes, and pastries. The work includes notable recipes for trifle, gooseberry fool, hot chocolate, and the first known Sussex pond pudding. Woolley addresses female readers from ladies to gentlewomen, offering practical instructions for managing kitchens and servants while incorporating ingredients from both traditional English cooking and the New World.
S. A. D. (Samuel Auguste David) Tissot
Advice to the people in general, with regard to their health
"Advice to the People in General, with Regard to Their Health" by S. A. D. Tissot is a medical treatise written in the mid-18th century. This work serves as a practical guide aimed at the general population, particularly those living in rural areas who may lack access to professional medical care. The text addresses common health issues, advocating for simple yet effective remedies and presenting a holistic view of health management grounded in natural principles. The opening of the treatise outlines the author's intentions, which center on improving public health among country folk by providing accessible medical advice. Tissot emphasizes the dangers posed by prevalent misconceptions and traditional practices that often exacerbate health problems. He details various causes of common ailments encountered by rural populations, while also prescribing specific, uncomplicated remedies that can be easily prepared with readily available ingredients. This initial portion establishes a foundation for the subsequent chapters, inviting readers to reconsider their health practices and highlighting the necessity of informed care in managing their well-being.
S. A. D. (Samuel Auguste David) Tissot
Avis au peuple sur sa santé ou traité des maladies les plus fréquentes
"Avis au peuple sur sa santé" by S. A. D. Tissot is a medical treatise written in the late 18th century. This work is intended to educate the general populace, particularly those in rural areas, about common diseases and their treatments, focusing on accessible healthcare advice for those who may not have regular access to physicians. Tissot aims to address the poor treatment of illnesses that contribute to population decline, offering practical guidance to improve public health. At the start of the treatise, Tissot introduces the alarming issue of depopulation in Europe, identifying causes such as emigration, poor healthcare practices, and neglect of agriculture. He emphasizes the urgency of the problem, particularly in rural communities where many suffer from easily treatable ailments due to inadequate medical attention. The opening sections also lay the groundwork for discussing the specific causes of diseases prevalent among the population, providing foundational knowledge aimed at enabling readers to recognize symptoms and understand the importance of preventative measures in their health management.
S. A. D. (Samuel Auguste David) Tissot
An essay on diseases incidental to literary and sedentary persons : $b With proper rules for preventing their fatal consequences. And instructions for their cure
"An Essay on Diseases Incidental to Literary and Sedentary Persons" by S. A. Tissot is a scientific publication written in the late 18th century. This treatise addresses the various health issues faced by individuals engaged in intellectual pursuits, particularly noting how sedentary lifestyles and excessive mental exertion can lead to a myriad of diseases. Tissot aims to provide insights on prevention and cures for these ailments, emphasizing the important connection between mind and body. The opening of the work introduces the author's intentions and the subject matter, explaining his motivations for discussing the health concerns of studious individuals. Tissot reflects on the responsibilities of his new academic position while acknowledging the historical contributions of notable figures in medicine. He critiques past treatments of the topic and outlines his goal to explore the effects of intellectual engagement on physical health, promising a thorough exploration of the connection between sedentary living and various ailments that plague learned individuals. Throughout, he emphasizes the need for balance between mental work and physical activity to maintain overall health.
Anonymous
A queens delight : $b or, The art of preserving, conserving and candying. As also, a right knowledge of making perfumes, and distilling the most excellent waters.
"A Queen's Delight: or, The Art of Preserving, Conserving and Candying" is a collection of historical recipes and techniques for food preservation, likely written in the late 17th century. This guide presents a plethora of methods for preserving fruits, making candies, and distilling various sweet waters and perfumes. The text serves as a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in the culinary arts of preserving and flavoring foods, showcasing the practices of the era. At the start of the book, readers are introduced to various recipes that illustrate methods for preserving fruits such as plums, grapes, and quinces, alongside instructions for making syrups, conserves, and candies. The detailed directions guide the reader on how to prepare and cook each fruit, emphasizing the importance of measuring sugar and maintaining the right cooking temperatures. There are also mentions of making perfumes and sweet waters, hinting at a broader interest in culinary delights beyond simple preservation. The opening sets the stage for a work rich in historical gastronomy, aimed at those looking to explore or revive these traditional practices.
N. D. (Nikolai Detlef) Falck
The Seaman's Medical Instructor In a Course of Lectures on Accidents and Diseases Incident to Seamen
"The Seaman's Medical Instructor" by N. D. Falck is a scientific publication written in the late 18th century. This work serves as a guide for sailors on how to handle medical emergencies and health issues that may arise while at sea, especially for those who sail on smaller vessels without a surgeon onboard. The book aims to educate seamen in practical aspects of medicine, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency in medical knowledge during voyages. The opening of the publication begins with the importance of navigation and recognizes the contributions of seamen to society while highlighting their vulnerability to accidents and illnesses at sea. In the preface, Falck discusses the generally overlooked medical needs of these sailors and presents his intent to provide practical medical knowledge in accessible language. He passionately critiques the existing medical literature which, he argues, is often too complex and therefore not suitable for the majority of seamen. The author explains that he will start his instructional guide from the fundamental principles of human anatomy, laying the groundwork for understanding various medical conditions and treatments relevant to life at sea.
S. A. D. (Samuel Auguste David) Tissot
Ang Mahusay na Paraan nang Pag-Gamot sa manga Maysaquit
"Ang Mahusay na Paraan nang Pag-Gamot sa mga Maysaquit" by S. A. D. Tissot is a medical treatise written in the early 20th century. The work serves as a guide to traditional and practical remedies for illnesses faced by people in rural Philippines, providing insights into local medicinal practices and herbal remedies. It aims to empower local healers and the common folk by presenting accessible healthcare knowledge, sourced from a respected medical authority. The opening of this treatise introduces the translator's purpose of enlightening the indigenous population about effective medical treatments, particularly illustrating the inadequacies of local practitioners. The translator recounts experiences witnessing suffering caused by common ailments that could be easily treated with the correct methods, leading to Tissot’s work being translated into Tagalog for better understanding. It emphasizes the importance of using local plants and remedies while critiquing the reliance on unqualified healers, ultimately encouraging a more knowledgeable and self-sufficient approach to health care among the Filipino people.
Christfrid Ganander
Maan-Miehen Huone- ja Koti-Aptheeki
"Maan-Miehen Huone- ja Koti-Aptheeki" by Christfrid Ganander is a collection of home remedies and medicinal recipes written in the late 18th century. This work provides practical advice on various treatments for common ailments that can be prepared at home, utilizing both homemade ingredients and those available from apothecaries. The text reflects the medicinal practices of the time, focusing on easily accessible cures for rural communities in Finland. The opening of this work outlines its purpose and utility, emphasizing the need for rural inhabitants, isolated from urban apothecaries, to be able to treat minor illnesses themselves. It introduces the reader to the notion that while many remedies exist, this book specifically aims to simplify their inventory by detailing only the most essential and commonly needed medications. The initial recipes presented include tinctures and ointments made from local herbs and natural ingredients, demonstrating both the author's intent to empower individuals with useful knowledge and the practical applications of folk medicine in everyday life.
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