Comprises eighteen essays in medical humanism, the history of medicine, and health care delivery. They are the John P. McGovern Lectures to the American Osler Society during the past two decades. Each of the essays, given by eminent physicians, historians, and educators, are timeless in their relevance to medicine and health care delivery. In many respects they are "lay sermons" on the philosophy and ethics of health care, ministering to the sick, and professionalism. The contributors, from differing backgrounds and with different points of view, discuss social and cultural factors that have influenced the history of medicine and medical humanism.