Medicine and Colonial Identity (Studies in the Social History of Medicine, 17)

Over the last century, identity as an avenue of inquiry has become both an academic growth industry and a problematic category of historical analysis. This volume shows how the study of medicine can provide new insights into colonial identity, and the possibility of accommodating multiple perspectives on identity within a single narrative. Contributors to this volume explore the perceived self-identity of colonizers; the adoption of western and traditional medicine as complementary aspects of a new, modern and nationalist identity; the creation of a modern identity for women in the colonies; and the expression of a healer's identity by physicians of traditional medicine. Book Cover......Page 1 Title......Page 4 Contents......Page 5 List of contributors......Page 10 Acknowledgments......Page 12 Introduction......Page 14 ~The ignorance of women is the house of illness~: gender, nationalism, and health reform in colonial north India......Page 27 A sword of empire?: medicine and colonialism at King William's Town, Xhosaland, 1856 91......Page 54 Midwives, missions and reform: colonizing Dutch childbirth services at home and abroad ca. 1900......Page 74 New Zealand milk for 'building Britons'......Page 92 Tropical medicine and colonial identity in northern Australia......Page 116 Colonial doctors and national myths: on telling lives in Australian medical biography......Page 138 Index......Page 156 Individuals Or Groups Define Their Identities In Particular Ways, Choosing From A Long List Of Social Variables: Nationality, Class, Race, Gender, Age, Sexuality, Occupation Or Marital Status, All Of Which May Change Either By Choice Or Fiat. During The 20th Century, The Issue Of Identity Became Increasingly Important And Yet It Remains A Problematic Category Of Historical Analysis. The Historical Record Is Full Of Diplomats And Peasants Discussing Medicine And Health Concerns And Topics Which Are Significant To The Study Of Medicine - Professionalization, Therapeutic Choice, Medical Education And Medical Practice - Topics Which Allow Us To Juxtapose A Number Of Different Strands Of Identity.