Medical Thoughts of Shakespeare

"Medical Thoughts of Shakespeare" by Benjamin Rush Field is a scholarly publication written in the late 19th century. The work explores the intersection of medicine and the literary genius of Shakespeare, analyzing various medical references and characters within his plays. It aims to highlight Shakespeare's understanding of medical practices and terminology through various citations from his works, providing insights into the medical knowledge of his time. At the start of the text, the author introduces the revised second edition, noting the expansion of content and the addition of new topics related to medicine, surgery, and pharmacology. The opening includes a preface that acknowledges the book's reception and outlines the chapters to follow, suggesting an organized analytical approach. Field begins discussing Shakespeare's portrayal of physicians in his plays and quotes lines showcasing the playwright’s grasp of medical concepts, setting the stage for a detailed investigation into Shakespeare’s medical insights throughout the ensuing chapters.