Product Description

This history of the evolution of paediatrics from the beginning of recorded civilization examines chronologically the medical and societal antecedents of 20th-century child care. Although the term "paediatrics" is modern, the book explores the antecedents that facilitated the evolution of paediatric care as a separate discipline and a unique science. These antecedents include ancient manuscripts and the writings of acknowledged medical classicists, and the works of physicians in the East who recorded the medicine of the ancients, their own original theories, clinical observations and experience, and exported their wisdom to the West. The book's point of view demonstrates that healers from the beginning of recorded time understood the unique physiology of the infant and the distinct nutritional and medical needs of the growing child. Despite this recognition, centuries of poorly-applied medical principles prevailed in the general population as adjuncts to societal conditions that included war, pestilence, ignorance of the pathophysiology of disease, and the exploitation of labour. In this milieu, suffering was universal. Paediatrics came into its own when richer, more stable societies had the time, energy and resources to provide for the most vulnerable of their subjects. Motives included economic self-interest as well as altruistic demand for social reform.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1941693 in Books
• Published on: 1999-01
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 1.52 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 344 pages

Review
"Nurturing Children: A History of Pediatrics is a fascinating look at the world of pediatric medical practices from archeological record to modern times. There are few books that cover the history of pediatric medicine and none that provide as broad an overview of the field as this title does. The breadth of coverage is one of its strongest assets of this title....The text contains a plethora of facts about people and medical texts, while also including interesting facts and asides, some more graphic that others, that graphically illustrate historical points....While the audience for this title is definitely those in the medical professions or students of medicine, there is plenty to interest the layperson....This title would be a highly recommended addition to any health science collection and would also have an audience in research institutions not affiliated with medical schools."-E-Streams

About the Author
A.R. COLON is Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics at Georgetown University School of Medicine.

P.A. COLON is a freelance writer who has collaborated with A.R. Colon on several publications of pediatric interest.