9780813069142

0813069149

9780813057996

"In this book, Dale Hutchinson traces the history of American healthcare and wellbeing from the colonial era to the present, drawing on evidence from material culture and historical documents"-- Provided by publisher.

Looking back on this history from the perspective of the contemporary landscape of healthcare and wellness in the United States, Hutchinson points out that weaknesses in the system that became apparent amid the COVID-19 pandemic were the result of changes that have been unfolding since the founding of the nation"-- Provided by publisher.

Part I. American Health and the Colonial Years: 1600-

Faith, Religion, and Healing in Colonial America

Domestic Health Care and Informal Specialists

Part II. Growing Pains: The Emergence of Specialized Medicine; 1750-

The Rise of Institutional Care

Licenses and Liabilities: Medical Training Becomes Formal

Suspect Specialists

Part III. Reformation and Reconstruction: 1850-

The Civil War and the Reformation of American Medicine

Ventilation, Germs, and Hygiene: The Post Civil War Reform

Hospital Reformation and Redirection

Part IV. The Road to Well-Being: 1850-

Self-Help Meets Regulation: Patent Medicines, Personal Care, and Professional Regulation

Making Oneself Better: Vitamins, Diet, Exercise, and Other Fads

Conclusion: The Road to Wellness

Medicine > United States > History.

Medical care > United States > History.

Public health > United States > History.