Research Guides: HIST 350: Madness (HC): Background

History of Medicine Encyclopedias and Dictionaries

Complete dictionary of scientific biography
Provides information on the history of science through articles on the professional lives of scientists. All periods of science from classical antiquity to modern times are represented.
Dictionary of medical biography
Check Appendix 2 for individuals involved in Psychiatry to find informatiive entries involving such figures as Bernard Mandeville (1670-1733) and Philippe Pinel (1745-1826).
Oxford Handbook of the History of Medicine
See essays on medicine in different time periods as well as "Medicine and the Mind."
Science and its times
This set addresses the varied social impacts of science, medicine, and technology. See the appropriate volume for the time period you are researching ( Volume Two the Middle Ages, Volume Three 1450-1699, etc.). The volumes are divided into broad science categories with relevant biographical sketches for each section.

Medieval Representation of Insanity

In this section of a stained glass window a figure known as Mad Matilda is beaten by her attendants. In the next panel she arrives at the pilgrimage church of Canterbury. In the final scene she is shown to be cured as she prays in thanks to Saint Thomas Becket. More information.

Encyclopedias for History

The following sources provide overviews of ideas, people, and events in the history of the Middle Ages and the early modern period. They are a quick way to find out the basic facts and current points of debate.
When using an article in an encyclopedia or handbook, always check the bibliography for further reading at the end of the article. It will provide a selective list of the books, articles, and, frequently, Web resources considered to be the most up-to-date and reliable.

Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages
Comprehensive reference work covering key aspects of European history, society, and culture from 500 to 1500 A.D., as well as the Byzantine Empire and Islamic dynasties. Contains illustrations and maps. Most entries offer bibliographies. See the related articles list in the left-hand column for a fuller understanding of topics.

Women and Gender in Medieval Europe: An Encyclopedia
See relevant articles including: "Gynecology," "Doctors and Healers," and "Midwives."
This is one in a fourteen volume series for encyclopedias of the Middle Ages. Other volumes cover countries (including England and Italy) or topics (including travel).
Europe 1450 to 1789
This reference work focuses on social history in the early modern age.
Dictionary of American History
Places an emphasis on social, cultural, and demographic topics, while also covering political, military, and economic developments in American history. Also available in print.

Subject Guide

Margaret Schaus

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Subjects: Africana & Black Studies, Cities, Classics, Gender & Sexuality Studies, History, Islamic Studies, Latin American & Iberian Studies, Political Science, Writing Program

Subject Guide

Sarah Horowitz

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Special Collections, Magill Library

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