A Medical History of Persia and the Eastern Caliphate
From the Earliest Times Until the Year A.D. 1932

Elgood presents a continuous history of the fascinating art and practice of medicine in Persia (Iran) from the earliest times.

Cyril Elgood (Author)

9781108015882, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 31 October 2010

642 pages, 6 b/w illus. 1 table
21.6 x 14 x 3.6 cm, 0.81 kg

Published in 1951, this book presents a continuous history of the art and practice of medicine in Persia (Iran), from the earliest times to the twentieth century. Elgood's prefatory chapter defines the scope of the History, and informs the reader of his extensive resources - due to his knowledge of Persian and Arabic, he was able to study original manuscripts of medical historians in the Middle East. He also draws upon his own experiences, having lived and practised in Iran for many years. Packed with medical curiosities and little-known facts, the book describes the impact of Western medicine on Persia from the seventeenth century, and includes discussion of the status and lifestyle of women, and the high status and great influence of Persian doctors. Placing the story of medicine against the background of general Persian history, Elgood demonstrates the important part played by Persia in the world's history of medicine.

Preface
1. From the earliest times to the death of Alexander
2. From the death of Alexander to the foundation of Islam
3. From the foundation of Islam to the death of the Caliph Hárún-ul-Rashíd
4. From the accession of al-Amín to the caliphate to the extinction of the Qurra family
5. The place of ophthalmology in Arabian medicine
6. The rise of the Buwayhid family
7. Avicenna and Rhazes
8. The Seljuqs and the last of the caliphs
9. Arabian medicine in theory
10. Arabian medicine in practice
11. The Mongol domination
12. The empire of Tamerlane
13. The Safavids
14. The East India Company in Persia
15. The early Qájárs
16. The mission of Sir John McNeill
17. The introduction of western medicine
18. The Sanitary Council and the Quarantine Service
19. The nationalization of the medical services
20. Arabic research and medicine
Index.

Subject Areas: History of medicine [MBX]