Author: Dien Ho
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317236335
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 244
Book Description
This book sheds light on important philosophical assumptions made by professionals working in clinical and research medicine. In doing so, it aims to make explicit how active philosophy is in medicine and shows how this awareness can result in better and more informed medical research and practice. It examines: what features make something a scientific discipline; the inherent tensions between understanding medicine as a research science and as a healing practice; how the “replication crisis” in medical research asks us to rethink the structure of knowledge production in our modern world; whether explanations have any real scientific values; the uncertainties about probabilistic claims; and whether it is possible for evidence-based medicine to truly be value free. The final chapter argues that the most important question we can ask is not, “How can we separate values from science?” but, “In a democratic society, how can we decide in a politically and morally acceptable way what values should drive science?” Key features: introduces complex philosophical issues in a manner accessible to non-professional academics; critically examines philosophical assumptions made in medicine, providing a better understanding of medicine that can lead to better healthcare; integrates medical examples and historic contexts so as to frame the rationale of philosophical views and provide lively illustrations of how philosophy can impact science and our lives; uses inter-connected chapters to demonstrate that disparate philosophical concepts are deeply related (e.g., it shows how the aims of medicine inform how we should understand theoretical reasoning).
A Philosopher Goes to the Doctor
Author: Dien Ho
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317236335
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 244
Book Description
This book sheds light on important philosophical assumptions made by professionals working in clinical and research medicine. In doing so, it aims to make explicit how active philosophy is in medicine and shows how this awareness can result in better and more informed medical research and practice. It examines: what features make something a scientific discipline; the inherent tensions between understanding medicine as a research science and as a healing practice; how the “replication crisis” in medical research asks us to rethink the structure of knowledge production in our modern world; whether explanations have any real scientific values; the uncertainties about probabilistic claims; and whether it is possible for evidence-based medicine to truly be value free. The final chapter argues that the most important question we can ask is not, “How can we separate values from science?” but, “In a democratic society, how can we decide in a politically and morally acceptable way what values should drive science?” Key features: introduces complex philosophical issues in a manner accessible to non-professional academics; critically examines philosophical assumptions made in medicine, providing a better understanding of medicine that can lead to better healthcare; integrates medical examples and historic contexts so as to frame the rationale of philosophical views and provide lively illustrations of how philosophy can impact science and our lives; uses inter-connected chapters to demonstrate that disparate philosophical concepts are deeply related (e.g., it shows how the aims of medicine inform how we should understand theoretical reasoning).
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317236335
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 244
Book Description
This book sheds light on important philosophical assumptions made by professionals working in clinical and research medicine. In doing so, it aims to make explicit how active philosophy is in medicine and shows how this awareness can result in better and more informed medical research and practice. It examines: what features make something a scientific discipline; the inherent tensions between understanding medicine as a research science and as a healing practice; how the “replication crisis” in medical research asks us to rethink the structure of knowledge production in our modern world; whether explanations have any real scientific values; the uncertainties about probabilistic claims; and whether it is possible for evidence-based medicine to truly be value free. The final chapter argues that the most important question we can ask is not, “How can we separate values from science?” but, “In a democratic society, how can we decide in a politically and morally acceptable way what values should drive science?” Key features: introduces complex philosophical issues in a manner accessible to non-professional academics; critically examines philosophical assumptions made in medicine, providing a better understanding of medicine that can lead to better healthcare; integrates medical examples and historic contexts so as to frame the rationale of philosophical views and provide lively illustrations of how philosophy can impact science and our lives; uses inter-connected chapters to demonstrate that disparate philosophical concepts are deeply related (e.g., it shows how the aims of medicine inform how we should understand theoretical reasoning).
Doctor Who and Philosophy
Author: Courtland Lewis
Publisher: Open Court Publishing
ISBN: 0812696883
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 450
Book Description
Philosophers look at the deeper issues raised by the adventures of Doctor Who, the main character in the long-running science fiction TV series of the same name.
Publisher: Open Court Publishing
ISBN: 0812696883
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 450
Book Description
Philosophers look at the deeper issues raised by the adventures of Doctor Who, the main character in the long-running science fiction TV series of the same name.
Doctor Strange and Philosophy
Author: Mark D. White
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119437946
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 295
Book Description
Explore the mind and world of the brilliant neurosurgeon-turned-Sorcerer Supreme Doctor Stephen Strange Marvel Comics legends Stan Lee and Steve Ditko first introduced Doctor Stephen Strange to the world in 1963—and his spellbinding adventures have wowed comic book fans ever since. Over fifty years later, the brilliant neurosurgeon-turned-Sorcerer Supreme has finally travelled from the pages of comics to the big screen, introducing a new generation of fans to his mind-bending mysticism and self-sacrificing heroics. In Doctor Strange and Philosophy, Mark D. White takes readers on a tour through some of the most interesting and unusual philosophical questions which surround Stephen Strange and his place in the Marvel Universe. Essays from two-dozen Philosophers Supreme illuminate how essential philosophical concepts, including existentialism, epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics, relate to the world of Doctor Strange. Fans will find answers to all their Strange questions: How does Doctor Strange reconcile his beliefs in science and magic? What does his astral self say about the relationship between mind and body? Why is he always so alone? And what does he mean when he says we’re just “tiny momentary specks within an indifferent universe”—and why was he wrong? You won’t need the Eye of Agamotto to comprehend all that is wise within. Doctor Strange and Philosophy offers comic book fans and philosophers alike the chance to dive deeper into the world of one of Marvel’s most mystical superheroes.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119437946
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 295
Book Description
Explore the mind and world of the brilliant neurosurgeon-turned-Sorcerer Supreme Doctor Stephen Strange Marvel Comics legends Stan Lee and Steve Ditko first introduced Doctor Stephen Strange to the world in 1963—and his spellbinding adventures have wowed comic book fans ever since. Over fifty years later, the brilliant neurosurgeon-turned-Sorcerer Supreme has finally travelled from the pages of comics to the big screen, introducing a new generation of fans to his mind-bending mysticism and self-sacrificing heroics. In Doctor Strange and Philosophy, Mark D. White takes readers on a tour through some of the most interesting and unusual philosophical questions which surround Stephen Strange and his place in the Marvel Universe. Essays from two-dozen Philosophers Supreme illuminate how essential philosophical concepts, including existentialism, epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics, relate to the world of Doctor Strange. Fans will find answers to all their Strange questions: How does Doctor Strange reconcile his beliefs in science and magic? What does his astral self say about the relationship between mind and body? Why is he always so alone? And what does he mean when he says we’re just “tiny momentary specks within an indifferent universe”—and why was he wrong? You won’t need the Eye of Agamotto to comprehend all that is wise within. Doctor Strange and Philosophy offers comic book fans and philosophers alike the chance to dive deeper into the world of one of Marvel’s most mystical superheroes.
Plato's Rivalry with Medicine
Author: Susan B. Levin
Publisher:
ISBN: 0199919801
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 315
Book Description
While scholars typically view Plato's engagement with medicine as uniform and largely positive, Susan B. Levin argues that from the Gorgias through the Laws, his handling of medicine unfolds in several key phases. Further, she shows that Plato views medicine as an important rival for authority on phusis (nature) and eudaimonia (flourishing). Levin's arguments rest on careful attention both to Plato and to the Hippocratic Corpus. Levin shows that an evident but unexpressed tension involving medicine's status emerges in the Gorgias and is explored in Plato's critiques of medicine in the Symposium and Republic. In the Laws, however, this rivalry and tension dissolve. Levin addresses the question of why Plato's rivalry with medicine is put to rest while those with rhetoric and poetry continue. On her account, developments in his views of human nature, with their resulting impact on his political thought, drive Plato's striking adjustments involving medicine in the Laws. Levin's investigation of Plato is timely: for the first time in the history of bioethics, the value of ancient philosophy is receiving notable attention. Most discussions focus on Aristotle's concept of phron sis (practical wisdom); here, Levin argues that Plato has much to offer bioethics as it works to address pressing concerns about the doctor-patient tie, medical professionalism, and medicine's relationship to society.
Publisher:
ISBN: 0199919801
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 315
Book Description
While scholars typically view Plato's engagement with medicine as uniform and largely positive, Susan B. Levin argues that from the Gorgias through the Laws, his handling of medicine unfolds in several key phases. Further, she shows that Plato views medicine as an important rival for authority on phusis (nature) and eudaimonia (flourishing). Levin's arguments rest on careful attention both to Plato and to the Hippocratic Corpus. Levin shows that an evident but unexpressed tension involving medicine's status emerges in the Gorgias and is explored in Plato's critiques of medicine in the Symposium and Republic. In the Laws, however, this rivalry and tension dissolve. Levin addresses the question of why Plato's rivalry with medicine is put to rest while those with rhetoric and poetry continue. On her account, developments in his views of human nature, with their resulting impact on his political thought, drive Plato's striking adjustments involving medicine in the Laws. Levin's investigation of Plato is timely: for the first time in the history of bioethics, the value of ancient philosophy is receiving notable attention. Most discussions focus on Aristotle's concept of phron sis (practical wisdom); here, Levin argues that Plato has much to offer bioethics as it works to address pressing concerns about the doctor-patient tie, medical professionalism, and medicine's relationship to society.
The Doctors Guide to Eliminating Debt
Author: Cory S. Fawcett
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781612061245
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :
Book Description
Too many doctors are carrying perpetual debt and giving away a large chunk of each paycheck as interest to the bank. The Doctors Guide to Eliminating Debt can show you how to pay off debt faster than you imagined-including your house. Being in debt is not a default condition. Understand the real cost and that it's not too late to change the course of your financial life. Being debt-free is empowering, liberating, and invigorating, but most doctors don't realize they can do it without significant sacrifice. If you are feeling trapped by your financial obligations, realize there is a way out. In this book, you'll find what you need to know to: --Choose the best path if you are drowning in debt --Recognize biased financial advice --Pay off student loans and your house-faster than you expected --Balance spending, loan repayment, and investing --Make compound interest work for you, instead of against you --Retire sooner than you expected This second book in The Doctors Guide series shows you how to establish control of your money-and ultimately your life.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781612061245
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :
Book Description
Too many doctors are carrying perpetual debt and giving away a large chunk of each paycheck as interest to the bank. The Doctors Guide to Eliminating Debt can show you how to pay off debt faster than you imagined-including your house. Being in debt is not a default condition. Understand the real cost and that it's not too late to change the course of your financial life. Being debt-free is empowering, liberating, and invigorating, but most doctors don't realize they can do it without significant sacrifice. If you are feeling trapped by your financial obligations, realize there is a way out. In this book, you'll find what you need to know to: --Choose the best path if you are drowning in debt --Recognize biased financial advice --Pay off student loans and your house-faster than you expected --Balance spending, loan repayment, and investing --Make compound interest work for you, instead of against you --Retire sooner than you expected This second book in The Doctors Guide series shows you how to establish control of your money-and ultimately your life.
Doctor Socrates
Author: Andrew Downie
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1471154092
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 437
Book Description
'Compelling from start to finish...Downie does full justice to an extraordinary life' Pete Davies, author of All Played Out. A stunning new biography of Socrates, the iconic captain of the greatest Brazil side never to win the World Cup. Socrates was always special. A hugely talented athlete who graduated in medicine yet drank and smoked to excess. The attacking midfielder stood out - and not just because of his 6'4" frame. Fans were enthralled by his inch-perfect passes, his coolness in front of goal and his back heel, the trademark move that singled him out as the most unique footballer of his generation. Off the pitch, he was just as original, with a dedication to politics and social causes that no player has ever emulated. His biggest impact came as leader of Corinthians Democracy - a movement that gave everyone from the kitman to the president an equal say in the running of the club. At a time when Brazil was ruled by a military dictatorship, it was truly revolutionary. Passionate and principled, entertaining and erudite, Socrates was as contradictory as he was complex. He was a socialist who voted for a return of Brazil's monarchy, a fiercely independent individual who was the ultimate team player, and a romantic who married four times and fathered six children. Armed with Socrates' unpublished memoir and hours of newly discovered interviews, Andrew Downie has put together the most comprehensive and compelling account of this iconic figure. Based on conversations with family members, close friends and former team-mates, this is a brilliant biography of a man who always stood up for what he believed in, whatever the cost. 'Brilliantly written and researched. Amazing life.' Alex Bellos, author of Futebol: The Brazilian Way of Life
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1471154092
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 437
Book Description
'Compelling from start to finish...Downie does full justice to an extraordinary life' Pete Davies, author of All Played Out. A stunning new biography of Socrates, the iconic captain of the greatest Brazil side never to win the World Cup. Socrates was always special. A hugely talented athlete who graduated in medicine yet drank and smoked to excess. The attacking midfielder stood out - and not just because of his 6'4" frame. Fans were enthralled by his inch-perfect passes, his coolness in front of goal and his back heel, the trademark move that singled him out as the most unique footballer of his generation. Off the pitch, he was just as original, with a dedication to politics and social causes that no player has ever emulated. His biggest impact came as leader of Corinthians Democracy - a movement that gave everyone from the kitman to the president an equal say in the running of the club. At a time when Brazil was ruled by a military dictatorship, it was truly revolutionary. Passionate and principled, entertaining and erudite, Socrates was as contradictory as he was complex. He was a socialist who voted for a return of Brazil's monarchy, a fiercely independent individual who was the ultimate team player, and a romantic who married four times and fathered six children. Armed with Socrates' unpublished memoir and hours of newly discovered interviews, Andrew Downie has put together the most comprehensive and compelling account of this iconic figure. Based on conversations with family members, close friends and former team-mates, this is a brilliant biography of a man who always stood up for what he believed in, whatever the cost. 'Brilliantly written and researched. Amazing life.' Alex Bellos, author of Futebol: The Brazilian Way of Life
The Physician Philosopher's Guide to Personal Finance: The 20% of Personal Finance Doctors Need to Know to Get 80% of the Results
Author: James D. Turner MD
Publisher: Physician Philosopher's Guide
ISBN: 9780578448701
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 218
Book Description
In medical training, our job is to hone our craft by learning and practicing the best possible medicine for our patients. Unfortunately, medical training isn't free. With the substantial debt burden facing graduating medical students, it has become increasingly important to know how to navigate the choppy waters of personal finance. With sharks in the water, no training on personal finance, and little time to spare on such an important topic, this short primer aims to teach you only what you need to know about personal finance so that you can focus on taking good care of patients. If you are ready to learn how to effectively pay down your student loans, invest efficiently, and achieve financial freedom early in your career - then this book is for you. Feel free to take a look at the introductory portion of the book through the "Look Inside" feature. Here are some of the essential topics you will learn in The Physician Philosopher's Guide to Personal Finance: ●Investing basics (compound interest, time in the market versus "timing" the market, etc.)●Investing specifics (types of vehicles, solid investment plans, and examples)●Specifics on how to attack your student loans●Paying off debt versus investing (or both) at various stages●Asset protection (life, disability, umbrella insurance, etc)●Where to get financial advice and identifying where conflicts of interest exist●Why lifestyle inflation matters after training and how it can wreck your lifePraise for The Physician Philosopher's Guide to Personal Finance: "I have frequently told physicians and dentists that the first really good personal finance and investing book you ever read is likely to be worth $2 Million to you over the course of your life... This is a $2 Million book." - James M. Dahle, MD (The White Coat Investor)"Applying the Pareto principle, Dr. Turner has distilled his substantial knowledge and experience in personal finance into a no-nonsense book that a physician can easily read and understand in one insightful evening." Leif M. Dahleen, MD (Physician on FIRE)
Publisher: Physician Philosopher's Guide
ISBN: 9780578448701
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 218
Book Description
In medical training, our job is to hone our craft by learning and practicing the best possible medicine for our patients. Unfortunately, medical training isn't free. With the substantial debt burden facing graduating medical students, it has become increasingly important to know how to navigate the choppy waters of personal finance. With sharks in the water, no training on personal finance, and little time to spare on such an important topic, this short primer aims to teach you only what you need to know about personal finance so that you can focus on taking good care of patients. If you are ready to learn how to effectively pay down your student loans, invest efficiently, and achieve financial freedom early in your career - then this book is for you. Feel free to take a look at the introductory portion of the book through the "Look Inside" feature. Here are some of the essential topics you will learn in The Physician Philosopher's Guide to Personal Finance: ●Investing basics (compound interest, time in the market versus "timing" the market, etc.)●Investing specifics (types of vehicles, solid investment plans, and examples)●Specifics on how to attack your student loans●Paying off debt versus investing (or both) at various stages●Asset protection (life, disability, umbrella insurance, etc)●Where to get financial advice and identifying where conflicts of interest exist●Why lifestyle inflation matters after training and how it can wreck your lifePraise for The Physician Philosopher's Guide to Personal Finance: "I have frequently told physicians and dentists that the first really good personal finance and investing book you ever read is likely to be worth $2 Million to you over the course of your life... This is a $2 Million book." - James M. Dahle, MD (The White Coat Investor)"Applying the Pareto principle, Dr. Turner has distilled his substantial knowledge and experience in personal finance into a no-nonsense book that a physician can easily read and understand in one insightful evening." Leif M. Dahleen, MD (Physician on FIRE)
A Philosopher Goes to the Doctor
Author: Dien Ho
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781315626871
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 156
Book Description
This book sheds light on important philosophical assumptions made by professionals working in clinical and research medicine. In doing so, it aims to make explicit how active philosophy is in medicine and shows how this awareness can result in better and more informed medical research and practice. It examines: what features make something a scientific discipline; the inherent tensions between understanding medicine as a research science and as a healing practice; how the "replication crisis" in medical research asks us to rethink the structure of knowledge production in our modern world; whether explanations have any real scientific values; the uncertainties about probabilistic claims; and whether it is possible for evidence-based medicine to truly be value free. The final chapter argues that the most important question we can ask is not, "How can we separate values from science?" but, "In a democratic society, how can we decide in a politically and morally acceptable way what values should drive science?" Key features: introduces complex philosophical issues in a manner accessible to non-professional academics; critically examines philosophical assumptions made in medicine, providing a better understanding of medicine that can lead to better healthcare; integrates medical examples and historic contexts so as to frame the rationale of philosophical views and provide lively illustrations of how philosophy can impact science and our lives; uses inter-connected chapters to demonstrate that disparate philosophical concepts are deeply related (e.g., it shows how the aims of medicine inform how we should understand theoretical reasoning). alues should drive science?" Key features: introduces complex philosophical issues in a manner accessible to non-professional academics; critically examines philosophical assumptions made in medicine, providing a better understanding of medicine that can lead to better healthcare; integrates medical examples and historic contexts so as to frame the rationale of philosophical views and provide lively illustrations of how philosophy can impact science and our lives; uses inter-connected chapters to demonstrate that disparate philosophical concepts are deeply related (e.g., it shows how the aims of medicine inform how we should understand theoretical reasoning).
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781315626871
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 156
Book Description
This book sheds light on important philosophical assumptions made by professionals working in clinical and research medicine. In doing so, it aims to make explicit how active philosophy is in medicine and shows how this awareness can result in better and more informed medical research and practice. It examines: what features make something a scientific discipline; the inherent tensions between understanding medicine as a research science and as a healing practice; how the "replication crisis" in medical research asks us to rethink the structure of knowledge production in our modern world; whether explanations have any real scientific values; the uncertainties about probabilistic claims; and whether it is possible for evidence-based medicine to truly be value free. The final chapter argues that the most important question we can ask is not, "How can we separate values from science?" but, "In a democratic society, how can we decide in a politically and morally acceptable way what values should drive science?" Key features: introduces complex philosophical issues in a manner accessible to non-professional academics; critically examines philosophical assumptions made in medicine, providing a better understanding of medicine that can lead to better healthcare; integrates medical examples and historic contexts so as to frame the rationale of philosophical views and provide lively illustrations of how philosophy can impact science and our lives; uses inter-connected chapters to demonstrate that disparate philosophical concepts are deeply related (e.g., it shows how the aims of medicine inform how we should understand theoretical reasoning). alues should drive science?" Key features: introduces complex philosophical issues in a manner accessible to non-professional academics; critically examines philosophical assumptions made in medicine, providing a better understanding of medicine that can lead to better healthcare; integrates medical examples and historic contexts so as to frame the rationale of philosophical views and provide lively illustrations of how philosophy can impact science and our lives; uses inter-connected chapters to demonstrate that disparate philosophical concepts are deeply related (e.g., it shows how the aims of medicine inform how we should understand theoretical reasoning).
Man a Machine ; And, Man a Plant
Author: Julien Offray de La Mettrie
Publisher: Hackett Publishing
ISBN: 9780872201941
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 100
Book Description
The first modern translation of the complete texts of La Mettrie's pioneering L'Homme machine and L'Homme plante, first published in 1747 and 1748, respectively, this volume also includes translations of the advertisement and dedication to L'Homme machine. Justin Leiber's introduction illuminates the radical thinking and advocacy of the passionate La Mettrie and provides cogent analysis of La Mettrie's relationship to such important philosophical figures as Descartes, Malebranche, and Locke, and of his lasting influence on the development of materialism, cognitive studies, linguistics, and other areas of intellectual inquiry.
Publisher: Hackett Publishing
ISBN: 9780872201941
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 100
Book Description
The first modern translation of the complete texts of La Mettrie's pioneering L'Homme machine and L'Homme plante, first published in 1747 and 1748, respectively, this volume also includes translations of the advertisement and dedication to L'Homme machine. Justin Leiber's introduction illuminates the radical thinking and advocacy of the passionate La Mettrie and provides cogent analysis of La Mettrie's relationship to such important philosophical figures as Descartes, Malebranche, and Locke, and of his lasting influence on the development of materialism, cognitive studies, linguistics, and other areas of intellectual inquiry.
Fiat Flux
Author: William D. Lindsey
Publisher: University of Arkansas Press
ISBN: 1610755251
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 330
Book Description
Wilson R. Bachelor was a Tennessee native who moved with his family to Franklin County, Arkansas, in 1870. A country doctor and natural philosopher, Bachelor was impelled to chronicle his life from 1870 to 1902, documenting the family's move to Arkansas, their settling a farm in Franklin County, and Bachelor's medical practice. Bachelor was an avid reader with wide-ranging interests in literature, science, nature, politics, and religion, and he became a self-professed freethinker in the 1870s. He was driven by a concept he called "fiat flux," an awareness of the "rapid flight of time" that motivated him to treat the people around him and the world itself as precious and fleeting. He wrote occasional pieces for a local newspaper, bringing his unusually enlightened perspectives to the subjects of women's rights, capital punishment, the role of religion in politics, and the domination of the American political system by economic elite in the 1890s. These essays, along with family letters and the original diary entries, are included here for an uncommon glimpse into the life of a country doctor in nineteenth-century Arkansas.
Publisher: University of Arkansas Press
ISBN: 1610755251
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 330
Book Description
Wilson R. Bachelor was a Tennessee native who moved with his family to Franklin County, Arkansas, in 1870. A country doctor and natural philosopher, Bachelor was impelled to chronicle his life from 1870 to 1902, documenting the family's move to Arkansas, their settling a farm in Franklin County, and Bachelor's medical practice. Bachelor was an avid reader with wide-ranging interests in literature, science, nature, politics, and religion, and he became a self-professed freethinker in the 1870s. He was driven by a concept he called "fiat flux," an awareness of the "rapid flight of time" that motivated him to treat the people around him and the world itself as precious and fleeting. He wrote occasional pieces for a local newspaper, bringing his unusually enlightened perspectives to the subjects of women's rights, capital punishment, the role of religion in politics, and the domination of the American political system by economic elite in the 1890s. These essays, along with family letters and the original diary entries, are included here for an uncommon glimpse into the life of a country doctor in nineteenth-century Arkansas.