1st Edition
A Social History of Medicines in the Twentieth Century To Be Taken Three Times a Day
Get a fresh perspective on the day-to-day use of medicine!
A Social History of Medicines in the Twentieth Century explores the most perplexing issues concerning the uses of prescriptions and other medicines on both sides of the Atlantic. The book equips you with a thorough understanding of the everyday use of medicine in the United States, Canada, and Britain, concentrating on its recent past. Dr. John K. Crellin, author of several influential books on the history of medicine and pharmacy, addresses vital topics such as: the emergence of prescription-only medicines; gate-keeping roles for pharmacists; the role of the drugstore; and the rise of alternative medicines.
A Social History of Medicines in the Twentieth Century adds the historical perspective missing from most medical and pharmaceutical literature about trends in the day-to-day use of medicines in society. The book is essential reading for anyone taking regular medication, either as self-care or by a physician’s prescription. Topics discussed include the non-scientific factors that validate medicines, the relevance of the control of narcotics, marketing strategies used by the pharmaceutical industry, the changing authority of physicians and pharmacists, over-the-counter medicines, tonics and sedatives, and patient compliance—and non-compliance.
A Social History of Medicines in the Twentieth Century also addresses:
- medicines for weakness (“health” foods, fortifiers, digestives/laxatives)
- poison and pharmacy legislation
- placebos
- tranquilizers and antidepressants
- hormones
- side-effects
- psychoactive medications
- herbal medicines
- a brief history of the use of medicines from the 17th to 19th centuries
- suggestions for future policies
- and much more!
Biography
Dr. John K. Crellin holds British qualifications in both medicine and pharmacy. He also holds a PhD in the history and philosophy of science. His principal interest is self-care, particularly the role of complementary medicine. Dr. Crellin has taught undergraduate, graduate, medical, and complementary/alternative medical students in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. His present position is John Clinch Professor of the History of Medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland; he gives frequent public and professional talks on complementary/alternative medicine. Dr. Crellin's publications range widely on the history of medicine and pharmacy, as well as on herbal medicine and home medicine in general. His books include Professionalism and Ethics in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (Haworth, with F. Ania), "By the Patient and not by the Book": Constancy and Change in Small Town Doctoring (with P.I. Crellin); Herbal Medicine Past and Present (with J. Philpott); Home Medicine: The Newfoundland Experience; Alternative Health Care in Canada: Nineteenth- and Twentieth-Century Perspectives (co-edited with R. Andersen and J. Connor); and Healthways: Newfoundland Elders, Their L(festyles and Values (with R.R. Andersen and B. O'Dwyer) .
