COVID-19: A History presents a global history of the virus, with a focus on Canada. Jacalyn Duffin's broad approach ranges from medical interventions, such as the development of tests, treatments, and vaccines, to the practical politics behind quarantines, barrier technologies, lockdowns, and social and financial supports.
This updated third edition provides a comprehensive introduction to medical history, incorporating recent scholarship and significant developments across major medical fields. It reflects the latest research and events, offering readers a fresh perspective on the evolution of medicine.
Focusing on an isolated community undergoing significant ecological changes, the narrative explores a fervent effort to document and preserve its entire biosphere. The characters are deeply invested in understanding and safeguarding their environment as they confront the challenges posed by transformation. Themes of passion, environmentalism, and the intricate relationship between humans and nature are woven throughout, highlighting the urgency of their mission in a rapidly changing world.
The biography delves into the life of René Laennec, renowned for inventing the stethoscope, by utilizing an extensive array of primary sources, such as patient records and personal letters. Jacalyn Duffin places Laennec within the dynamic social and intellectual landscape of post-Revolutionary France, revealing him as a multifaceted individual who engaged with the significant transformations of his era. This exploration transcends the myths surrounding him, offering a nuanced portrait of the scientist and educator.
Exploring the concept of disease as both an idea and a historical phenomenon, Jacalyn Duffin examines two contrasting afflictions: the antiquated notion of Lovesickness and the contemporary disease Hepatitis C. Through a blend of humor and personal clinical anecdotes, she highlights how these diseases reflect societal, cultural, and scientific influences over time. By integrating audience participation and diverse sources, Duffin invites readers to reconsider the complexities surrounding medical definitions and the evolving understanding of illness.