William Osler: A Life in Medicine

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About William Osler: A Life In Medicine

Product Description In his time the most famous physician in the world, Canadian-born William Osler (1849-1919) is still the best-known figure in the history of medicine. This new, definitive biography by Michael Bliss is the first full-scale life of Osler to appear since 1925. An award-winning medical historian, Bliss draws on many untapped sources to recreate Osler's life and medical times for a new generation of readers. Born at Bond Head, north of Toronto, Osler rose from obscurity to become the greatest medical teacher and writer in three countries. At Canada's McGill University, America's Johns Hopkins University, and finally as regius professor at Oxford, Osler was idolized by two generations of medical students and practitioners, for whom he came to personify the ideal doctor. His quest was to bring high standards and scientific methods into general practice in the medical world and to give teaching hospitals a solid place in the education of doctors. The publication of his book, The Principles and Practice of Medicine (1892), established him as the authority of modern medicine, a position he held well into the new century. Osler was revered as the high priest of the advent of twentieth-century medicine. In this fine biography, Michael Bliss animates the epic quality of Osler's life - not only in telling his personal story, but in setting that story against the dramatic backdrop of the coming of modern medicine. Winner of the Jason A. Hannah Medal, awarded by the Royal Society of Canada and the Hannah Institute for the History of Medicine Review 'A richly textured description of an extraordinary man this biography of Osler stands apart.' (Russell T. Joffe Globe & Mail) 'In this compelling book, Bliss captures the symmetry and transitions [in Osler's life] thoroughly and well.' (Robert Fripp Toronto Star) 'It was time for Canadians to have a new, modern biography of one of their country's greatest figures.' (Victor Swoboda Montreal Gazette) 'Professor Bliss paint[s] an engaging portrait of Osler.' (Suzanne Hiller National Post) '[A] splendid biography.' (Brad Evenson National Post) 'Mr. Bliss has done a wonderful job of describing, in enjoyable and lively prose, the context of Osler's life. Anyone interested in North American or medical history will find this book irresistible.' (Charlotte Gray Ottawa Citizen) From the Inside Flap '[A] splendid biography.' About the Author Michael Bliss is University Professor Emeritus in the Department of History and the History of Medicine Program at the University of Toronto.