'Regimental Practice' by John Buchanan, M.D.: An Eighteenth-Century Medical Diary and Manual

by Paul Kopperman, Andrew Cunningham, Ole Peter Grell

Overview

In 1746, Dr John Buchanan, a recently retired medical officer in the British Army, produced a manuscript, 'Regimental Practice, or a Short History of Diseases common to His Majesties own Royal Regiment of Horse Guards when abroad (Commonly called the Blews).' Revised almost until the time of Buchanan's death in 1767, it was primarily based on the author's observations while surgeon to a cavalry regiment serving in Flanders 1742-45 during the War of the Austrian Succession. It is of immense value to the understanding of eighteenth-century interpretation and treatment of diseases, but as yet has never been published. This is an annotated modern edition of the work, set in the context of Buchanan's life and career.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781409456322
Publisher:	Ashgate Publishing Ltd
Publication date:	08/01/2012
Series:	The History of Medicine in Context
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Paul E. Kopperman is a professor of history at Oregon State University, where he has taught since 1978. Among his many publications are two books, Braddock at the Monongahela and Sir Robert Heath, 1575-1649: Window on an Age. His main research interests are British military and medical history in the eighteenth century. He is currently working on a book about medicine, sickness, and health in the British Army that served in North America and the West Indies 1755-1783.

Table of Contents

Contents: Preface; Introduction; Notes on transcription; Regimental Practice transcription; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

'... a welcome addition not only to resources on the history of military medicine, but also to eighteenth-century medical practice and innovation more broadly... The publication of Buchanan’s manuscript reinforces recent work on early modern and eighteenth-century military medicine that portrays health care in the British armed forces as of a higher standard than has long been assumed, as well as a site for medical innovation and empiricism.' Social History of Medicine

From the Publisher