The Origin and Growth of the Healing Art: A Popular History of Medicine in All Ages and Countries

"The Origin and Growth of the Healing Art" by Edward Berdoe is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work provides a comprehensive exploration of the history of medicine across various cultures and time periods, aiming to illuminate the evolution of medical practices from their primitive roots to more modern understandings. Berdoe emphasizes the significant roles that medicine and healing have played in shaping civilizations and societies. The opening portion of the book introduces the theme of medicine as a fundamental aspect of human civilization, beginning with its practices in primitive societies. It discusses how early humans likely observed and learned from the medicinal behaviors of animals, which informed their own healing practices. The text elaborates on various primitive theories of disease, linking illness to spiritual and supernatural causes, such as animism, witchcraft, and demonic possession. Berdoe sets the stage for a deeper examination of how these rudimentary concepts transitioned into more structured medicinal understanding and practice throughout history.