Antall József szerk.: Orvostörténeti közlemények 93-96. (Budapest, 1981)

SZEMLE KÖNYVEKRŐL - Antall, József: Pictorial History of European Medicine and Pharmacutics (Birtalan Győző)

SZEMLE KÖNYVEKRŐL Antall József: Pictorial History of European Medicine and Pharmaceutics. Budapest, Corvina Kiadó, 1981. 22 pp., 92 ill. One of the most efficient ways of diffusing knowledge of the historical sciences including the history of medicine is the well arranged museum exhibition. J. Antall's Pictorial History of European Medicine and Pharmaceutics, brought out in the decorative edition of Corvina Press, presents the great periods of European medicine and pharmaceutics through a rich selection of illustrations drawn from the material of several European museums. A variety of topics are covered by the 92 coloured pictures. We can see the characteristics findings of ancient primitive medicine, magical representations of body and limbs, proofs of trephening practice. We can follow the evolution of medical instruments. We can see Roman remains from Pannónia, medieval and modern instruments, important relics from 19th century Hungary: a reconstruction of Czermak's laryngoscope, Frigyes Korányi's stethoscope. Excellent genre paintings revive the work of past doctors, activity in the alchemist's workshop. We can delight in some pieces of the world-famous anatomic waxworks from the Josephinum in Vienna. A rich material of apothecary vessels is presented. Pharmacy interiors of extraordinary beauty, officines of superb furniture are revealed to us; as many masterpieces of the Spanish-Moresque, Central-European Baroque or Victorian English styles. The museum guide concludes with the material relating to Ignác Semmelweis. The author's introduction wishes to direct the lay reader as well. It gives a concise sketch on the main chapters of medical and pharmaceutical history in Europa, on the prevailing trends, in the context of the great events of history and science history. It also sums up the achievement of great persons representative of periods and tendencies. As it is usual with summaries forced into such a narrow scope, the characterizations can be merely indicative. We can say, however, that these data grasp the essential and serve as due guide for the educated reader. This is especially true for the presentation of Hungarian medical historical material from the 19th century. It is all the more pleasing, since this publication was issued in English, French, Germain and Russian versions beside the Hungarian one, thus allowing the foreign reader to get information on the least known Hungarian conditions as well. Last but not least it is worth mentioning that more than a half of the pictures relating to the relics of European medicine and pharmaceutics are from the Semmelweis Museum. It means also a well deserved propaganda for this excellent institution. Győző Birtalan