Aspects of medical history, ancient and modern

Abstract

This submission is for the award of Doctor of Medicine in the School of Medicine, The University of Queensland. The thesis title is 'Aspects of Medical History, Ancient and Modern'. The publications deal with neurological themes or biographies and a number relate to the history of childbirth and obstetrics. The works range from the ancient era with aspects of ancient medicine to nineteenth and early twentieth century history of neurology and neuroscience. The ancient medicine subjects include epilepsy in the Graeco-Roman world and the works of Hippocrates and Galen. The epilepsy paper critically examines the origins of our understanding of this disorder in western medicine distinct from earlier magical or superstitious practices. There are also publications concerned with ancient childbirth practices and the influence of Soranus of Ephesus. My paper suggests that midwives in the ancient world who utilized the methods of Soranus were likely to have improved outcomes for mother and child. The historical works also cover important figures and ideas in nineteenth century and early twentieth century neuroscience and neurology. My work covers historical enquiry into the early work of two famous Australian medical scientists and Nobel laureates, Howard Florey and John Carew Eccles. The paper on Henry Woltman is the first major presentation on this pioneering American neurologist who was the first fulltime neurologist at the Mayo Clinic. Papers also cover the history of caesarean section and operative obstetrics. Many of the early developments in Caesarean section and operative obstetrics were controversial and attracted criticism in their time. My work highlights some of these controversies in these important developments in women's health. The research presents the life histories and personalities of a number of important figures as well as the ideas with which they are associated.The publications submitted include 42 scientific papers and 17 conference abstracts and letters. Of the scientific papers 36 are in national and international journals that are fully peer reviewed while six appear in journals that were editor reviewed. The submission also includes the abstracts of conference papers presented at national and international meetings. Much of the work has also been presented at local history and medical meetings including the post-graduate research seminars in the department of classics and ancient history at The University of Queensland.