Before the mid 19th century, medicine had changed very little since ancient times. There was no germ theory or anesthesia and medical practitioners were poorly trained and equipped to deal with the myriad of ailments plaguing people. They did the best they could with the tools and knowledge they possessed. However, sometimes the "best" did more harm than good.

This book provides an overview of medical history from ancient times to 1840 from a writer's perspective. Topics include the training and techniques of doctors and surgeons, available medicines and pain relief, hospitals, infection, treatments, and common diseases. Period nomenclature, tools and other details necessary for writers looking to craft realistic historic scenes or pursue further research are highlighted. Firsthand accounts from medical practitioners and their patients provide a picture of medicine before germ theory and antiseptic practices.