|
|
|
Book Review
| Ross L. Jones, Humanity's Mirror: 150 Years of Anatomy in Melbourne (Melbourne: Haddington Press, 2007). ISBN 06–464–7300-X. 318 pp.
|
| Ross Jones's study on the history of anatomy at the University of Melbourne is interesting from the very beginning through his choice of the title, Humanity's Mirror. Looking upon a corpse, one captures a reflection on oneself and thoughts linger about what the eye has processed. The mirror is therefore a metaphor for the corpse; the harder and longer one looks, the more one learns about oneself. The book has a fundamental aim to present an 'intellectual and social history of the [Anatomy] Department' (p. xviii). Jones adequately accomplishes this aim using closely related themes. These themes are Melbourne's social context during the past one hundred and fifty years and also the personalities which helped shape the Melbourne medical school over the years. By discussing both in detail, Jones takes his readers through time on an intriguing journey which shows the humble beginnings of a medical school, which has now turned into a modern world-class teaching facility. |
1
|
|
Jones's exploration of nineteenth and twentieth century Melbourne sets out to discuss individuals from all sectors of society and their attitudes towards the medical school and, in particular, the subject of anatomy, which was by far the most important medical subject at the time. Anatomy was constantly surrounded by scandals and controversies as it had a lingering presence in the public imagination due to its subject matter, the corpse. The study of anatomy was admired and also feared. It was a gateway for future practitioners and a dreadful end for the soul of the individual which had been handed a corporate sentence. |
2
|
|
The intellectual aspect, although very much associated with the social aspect, is explored by concentrating on a number of prominent personalities from the Melbourne medical school. Jones discusses at length and in chronological order the roles played by anatomy's leading men in the struggle for recognition and respect of the medical school. Jones adds appeal and compels his audience by avoiding what could have been a dull and dry history through his inclusion of the fate of some of Australia's most infamous criminals. In addition, he details scandals such as the scarcity of human material for dissection and shady procurement practices. Although this has been explored in works by other authors, it is nevertheless unique in this publication because it focuses primarily on Melbourne instead of Paris, London or the United States of America. |
3
|
|
Ross has clearly conducted extensive research to detail the struggle and rise of anatomy as the principal subject in the medical curriculum as well as the growth and expansion of the Melbourne medical school. This is apparent from the detailed bibliography consisting of primary and secondary sources. He has uncovered and incorporated a lot of archival material which would otherwise still be packed away and gathering dust in storage cabinets. Such a history would have otherwise been dry and laborious to read but Jones has avoided this by adopting a style so captivating that the reader is compelled to read further. He achieved success by writing in a clear, clever and chronological way, discussing episodes in a lively manner. The final chapter in the book has been deliberately left with many loose ends so this reader was left excited in anticipation for the next installment. |
4
|
| INAS KANSOH
|
| UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY |
|
Content in the History Cooperative database is intended for personal, noncommercial use only. You may not reproduce, publish, distribute, transmit, participate in the transfer or sale of, modify, create derivative works from, display, or in any way exploit the History Cooperative database in whole or in part without the written permission of the copyright holder.
|