About the book
In the eighteenth century, medicine underwent a mutation. For the first time, medical knowledge took on a precision that had formerly belonged only to mathematics. The body became something that could be mapped. Disease became subject to new rules of classification. And doctors begin to describe phenomena that for centuries had remained below the threshold of the visible and expressible.
In The Birth of the Clinic the philosopher and intellectual historian who may be the true heir to Nietzsche charts this dramatic transformation of medical knowledge. As in his classic Madness and Civilization, Michel Foucault shows how much what we think of as pure science owes to social and cultural attitude—in this case, to the climate of the French Revolution. Brilliant, provocative, and omnivorously learned, his book sheds new light on the origins of our current notions of health and sickness, life and death.
Editions of The Birth of the Clinic
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780394483214
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780394710976
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780679753346
Read an Excerpt
In the eighteenth century, medicine underwent a mutation. For the first time, medical knowledge took on a precision that had formerly belonged only to mathematics. The body became something that could be mapped. Disease became subject to new rules of classification. And doctors begin to describe phenomena that for centuries had remained below the threshold of the visible and expressible.
In The Birth of the Clinic the philosopher and intellectual historian who may be the true heir to Nietzsche charts this dramatic transformation of medical knowledge. As in his classic Madness and Civilization, Michel Foucault shows how much what we think of as pure science owes to social and cultural attitude—in this case, to the climate of the French Revolution. Brilliant, provocative, and omnivorously learned, his book sheds new light on the origins of our current notions of health and sickness, life and death.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Birth of the Clinic about?
In the eighteenth century, medicine underwent a mutation. For the first time, medical knowledge took on a precision that had formerly belonged only to mathematics. The body became something that could be mapped. Disease became subject to new rules of classification. And doctors begin to describe phenomena that for centuries had remained below the threshold of the visible and expressible.
In The Birth of the Clinic the philosopher and intellectual historian who may be the true heir to Nietzsche charts this dramatic transformation of medical knowledge. As in his classic Madness and Civilization, Michel Foucault shows how much what we think of as pure science owes to social and cultural attitude—in this case, to the climate of the French Revolution. Brilliant, provocative, and omnivorously learned, his book sheds new light on the origins of our current notions of health and sickness, life and death.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Birth of the Clinic?
Mathematics and Science > Science: general issues > History of science
Where can I read a sample of The Birth of the Clinic?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780394483214
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Birth of the Clinic?
Michel Foucault
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Birth of the Clinic is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780394483214) and paperback(ISBN 9780394710976) and paperback(ISBN 9780679753346)
Where can I buy The Birth of the Clinic online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Birth of the Clinic from below
Where can I buy The Birth of the Clinic?