Biography
Katherine D. Watson
'Katherine D. Watson has produced a superb synthetic work of medical and legal history that is sweeping in its narrative scope while at the same time attentive to manifold key differences in legal and medical thought and practice, both among nations and over time. Although the body of the work comes in at an efficient 150 pages, Watson's writing is so lucid that readers will come away with a solid foundational understanding of the definition, history, purpose, and meaning of forensic medicine in Western society.'
– Lynne Curry (Eastern Illinois University), H-Net'Watson gives a broad but very clear and thoughtful overview of the history of the relationship between Medicine and Law from the ancient times to the 20th centure.' - Heiner Fangerau, Ulm University
'...Watson's work is a valuable piece of literature, and on this occasion it is certainly not the sex and crime content that makes the book attractive, it is Wastson's clear, well-structured and wide-ranging reconstruction of the history of forensic medicine.' - Heiner Fangerau, Ulm University
'Combining broad historical scope that covers the Middle Ages to the present (with perfunctory mention of earlier periods), substantial comparison between continental European and Anglo-American legal systems, and coverage of the key areas of medico-legal knowledge and practice, this succint volume is the most thorough introductory text for the history of this subject.' - Daniel Asen, Columbia University, New York
'Engagingly written and exuding enthusiasm for the subject and its potential, Watson's book offers a trustworthy guide to forensic medicine's past, and a warm invitation to its pursuit in future historical inquiry.' - Ian Burney, Medical History, October 2011 55(4)
