Abstract
DISEASE has played a great part in the evolution of civilization. Dr. Sigerist develops the theme and demonstrates the interrelationship in its many aspects in the course of human history. He begins by describing the influence of external factors of living conditions, clothing, lighting and nutrition on the genesis of disease, and then passes on to particulars. Economic and industrial changes and their effects on the character of disease are illustrated by reference to the works of Ramazzini, McCready and Thackrah. The position of the sick in society has greatly changed from the earliest days, when they were ostracized as in the case of lepers or horribly confined if mentally ill. In the complex modern society, many sick persons can usefully be employed in selected occupations.
Civilization and Disease
By Prof. Henry E. Sigerist. Pp. xii + 255 + 29 plates. (Ithaca, N.Y.: Cornell University Press; London: Oxford University Press, 1943.) 22s. 6d. net.
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Civilization and Disease. Nature 154, 446 (1944). https://doi.org/10.1038/154446b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/154446b0