Since it was first published in 1955, A Short History of Medicine has been hailed as the best available book of its kind: a concise and readable introduction to the history of medicine, written for students and professionals alike. This new, revised edition of Erwin H. Ackerknecht's classic volume is now available in paperback, making the book especially suitable for classroom use. In twenty short chapters, Ackerknecht traces the fascinating saga of man's progress in the science and art of medicine, from primitive times through early civilizations, classical antiquity, the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and into the mid-twentieth century. The struggles and triumphs of some of history's most renowned medical pioneers -- Hippocrates, Harvey, Jenner, Osler, and many more -- are here, but this is not a catalog of individual accomplishments. Ackerknecht strikes a balance between the history of medicine and its social and cultural background; between medical science and medical practice; and between clinical and preventative medicine, illuminating not only the world of medicine but the position of medicine in the world. - Back cover.