Bernard Mandeville: A Treatise of the Hypochondriack and Hysterick Diseases (1730)
Bernard Mandeville: A Treatise of the Hypochondriack and Hysterick Diseases (1730)

Author: Sylvie Kleiman-Lafon

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2017-09-18

Total Pages: 242

ISBN-13: 3319577816

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This work reflects on hypochondria as well as on the global functioning of the human mind and on the place of the patient/physician relationship in the wider organisation of society. First published in 1711, revised and enlarged in 1730, and now edited and published with a critical apparatus for the first time, this is a major work in the history of medical literature as well as a complex literary creation. Composed of three dialogues between a physician and two of his patients, Mandeville’s Treatise mirrors the digressive structure of a talking cure. Thanks to the soothing and enlightening effects of this casual conversation, the physician Mandeville demonstrates the healing power of words for a class of patients that he presents as men of learning who need above all to be addressed in their own language. Mandeville’s aim was to delineate his own cure for hypochondria and hysteria, which consisted of a talking cure followed by diet and exercise, but also to discuss the practice of medicine in England and continental Europe at a time when physicians were beginning to lose ground to apothecaries. Opposing a purely theoretical approach to medicine, Mandeville takes up the principles presented by Francis Bacon, Thomas Sydenham, and Giorgio Baglivi, and advocates a medical practice based on experience and backed up by time-tested theories.

Life of Johnson
Life of Johnson

Author: James Boswell

Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand

Published: 2019-09-25

Total Pages: 390

ISBN-13: 3734093511

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Reproduction of the original: Life of Johnson by James Boswell

The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D.
The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D.

Author: James Boswell

Publisher: Good Press

Published: 2023-12-19

Total Pages: 2962

ISBN-13:

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The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D., stands as a monumental anthology that not only captures the essence of one of the 18th century's most complex and influential literary figures but also showcases a rich tapestry of narratives that reflect the diverse methodologies in biography writing. Edited by figures such as James Boswell and Grosvenor Osgood, this collection combines meticulous historical research with personal anecdotes, thereby offering readers a multifaceted view of Johnsons life and times. The assortment of literary styles within the volumeranging from Boswells detailed narrative to Osgoods insightful commentaryhighlights the evolving nature of biographical writing, making this work a cornerstone in the study of literary history. The contributing editors, Boswell and Osgood, bring their unique backgrounds to the forefront of this anthology, enriching the compilation with perspectives that span across centuries. Boswell's 18th-century firsthand experiences with Johnson provide an intimate portrait, while Osgood's 19th-century scholarly approach adds a layer of critical analysis, situating Johnsons life within broader historical and cultural movements. This interplay between personal acquaintance and historical scholarship offers an unparalleled insight into the complexities of Johnson's character and his impact on English literature. This anthology is recommended for anyone interested in exploring the depth of biographical literature through the lens of Samuel Johnsons life. It is not merely a collection of works but an invitation to engage with the intricate blend of personal reflection and historical context. Readers will find themselves immersed in a dialogue that spans centuries, offering a unique educational experience that deepens the appreciation of literary biography and the enduring legacy of Samuel Johnson. This collection promises to be an indispensable resource for scholars and general readers alike, eager to explore the synthesis of literary craftsmanship and historical insight.