Publisher's Synopsis
Physician Throughout the Ages is a historical survey of the medical profession from ancient times through the early 20th century. Likely written with a blend of scholarly depth and narrative storytelling typical of early 20th-century nonfiction, the book traces the evolution of physicians-both their practices and social roles-across major civilizations. From the healers of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, through the often-superstitious medicine of the Middle Ages, to the scientific breakthroughs of the Renaissance and Enlightenment, the author charts the transformation of medicine from mysticism to modern science.
The book pays special attention to influential figures such as Hippocrates, Galen, Avicenna, Paracelsus, and William Harvey, illustrating how each contributed to shifts in medical understanding. It also touches on how physicians adapted to changes in society, religion, technology, and war, with a concluding emphasis on the rise of modern clinical practice, hygiene, and institutionalized healthcare.
Ultimately, Physician Throughout the Ages serves as a tribute to the resilience and evolution of the healing profession, portraying doctors not just as medical practitioners, but as central figures in the broader story of civilization.
This is a resurrected version of the original publication with a few expanded notes from the author.
It is published here as a service of the Military Images Project founded by Dr. David Powers, a third-generation veteran who served in both the Marine Corps and the Army.
The goal of the Military Images Project is to preserve history by making publications, images, and illustrations available by reissuing them at a reasonable cost.
"I enjoy finding old government guides, manuals, and maps and rescuing them from dusty attics, garages, and recycle bins. They represent a legacy that could be lost without an effort to preserve them. Not only that, they often represent memories for a lot of us. Some of the guides I publish are created from my own personal copies, such as my Green Monster that travelled with me through the swamps of Parris Island during boot camp." Dr. David Powers
Dr. David Powers is an adventurer, philosopher, and pioneer and lives a life of constant experimentation. His life's compass is "to seek out adventure in everything he does by being intentional, determined, and unstoppable and by energizing and outfitting others to embark on their own adventures". He fulfills his purpose through speaking and books and is a best-selling author in psychology and education. He is a decorated veteran of the Marine Corps and a founding member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He is married and the proud father of four feral boys and one princess that he and his wife homeschool. His mission in life is to find the magical best mug of coffee in the world. About the original author-
Arthur Selwyn-Brown was a British medical historian and author active in the early 20th century, best known for his work Physician Throughout the Ages (c. 1920s). A physician by training, Selwyn-Brown combined clinical insight with a deep appreciation for the historical evolution of medicine. His writing is marked by a narrative style that humanizes the medical profession, tracing its journey from ancient mystics to modern practitioners. Though not widely known today, his work contributed to a greater public understanding of medical history during a time of rapid scientific advancement. Selwyn-Brown also wrote for various medical journals and was noted for his ability to bridge academic and general audiences.
