The Practice of Physick by Alexander Gordon

The examination of 18th-century medicine reveals the tumultuous landscape of medical practices during a time of significant change. Author Alexander Gordon, a Georgian doctor, faced backlash for his groundbreaking findings on puerperal fever transmission, leading to his exile. His nearly complete manuscript, The Practise of Physick, offers a vivid portrayal of medical beliefs and methods, including controversial treatments like bleeding and leeching. Now reworked by Doctor Peter Bennett, this work sheds light on the rationales behind now-obsolete practices, aiming to restore Gordon's place in medical history.