The medical profession had as much influence on the lives of our ancestors as it does on our lives today. It occupied an extraordinary range of individuals - surgeons, doctors, nurses and specialists of all kinds. Yet, despite burgeoning interest in all aspects of history and ancestry, medicine has rarely been considered from the point of view of a family historian. This is the main purpose of Michelle Higgs's accessible and authoritative introduction to the subject. rn Assuming the reader has little prior knowledge of how or where to look for such information, she traces the development of medical practice and patient care. She describes how attitudes to illnesses and disease have changed over time. In particular, she looks at the parts played in the system by doctors and nurses - at their role, training and places of work and she also looks at the patients and their experience of medicine in their day.'rn Each section identifies the archives and records that the family historian can turn to, and discusses other potential sources including the Internet. The book is an invaluable guide to all the information that can give an insight into the experience of an ancestor who worked in medicine or had a medical history. AUTHOR: Michelle Higgs is the author of four social history books, the last three of which were aimed at family historians. Her most recent book is Life in the Victorian Hospital, which includes chapters on medical staff. Michelle is a versatile freelance writer specializing in history and heritage. Her work has appeared in a wide range of publications including genealogical magazines such as BBC Who Do You Think You Are? Ancestors, Family History Monthly and Discover My Past. SELLING POINTS: .Comprehensive introduction to researching medical history .Shows how to trace the careers of medical professionals .Explains how to track down and interpret patient's records .Describes all the key sources for family historians .Includes a glossary of medical terms and qualifications .Lists medical museums and professional associations ILLUSTRATIONS 50