The Modern Value of Early Writings in Medicine and Dentistry

• Sheldon Peck ^[1]
  1. [1] University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

     University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

     Township of Chapel Hill, Estados Unidos

     
• Localización: Journal of the history of dentistry: Official publication of the American Academy of the History of Dentistry, ISSN 1089-6287, Vol. 64, Nº. 1, 2016, págs. 3-13
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • This article illustrates three examples supporting the modern value of early writings in dentistry and medicine. First, by studying cases described in works published long before the rera of genetic science, we are able to develop new hypotheses about familial conditions and their gnetic roots. Tooth transposition is presented as an example. Second, old writings may lead us to valuavle historical insights and perspectives in medicine that can be revealed only in retrospective analysis. An example of this kind of historical analysis unvocers why dentistry became unnaturally separated from mainstream medicine int he 19th century. Third, early writings become keys to unloking forgotten knowledge that enriches our understanting of hisorically significant people and events. The discovery of Norman Kingsley's long forgotten pyrographic paintings after Rembrant portaits is used as and example. Libraries, the traditional custodians of these valued old texts, must continue to be supported, and not undermined by the parperless digital revolution.