Living in the Shadow of Death

Living in the Shadow of Death is a tremendous look at the harsh realities of Tuberculosis and the experiences of people in the early 19th century. What made her book so great to read was her extensive look into the primary sources she used to solidify her argument and theme. I was impressed with her use of manuscripts, letters, diaries, medical papers, books, etc. She shows Tuberculosis at the height of the epidemic in which it was at its deadliest. Her emphasis of the "invalid" in New England was particularly interesting. In this part of her narrative, Rothman does an incredible job at explaining and blending history, sociology, ethics and medical science. I found it incredibly interesting to see the experience of the patient as it practiced back in the past and with the medical situation it faced. As we have discussed in previous weeks, it is incredible to see the pain and suffering the patients went through. They did not have the benefit of painkillers or modern practices of medicine that we have today. Medical practice in the early 19th century was something of trial and error and unfortunately these patients were faced with being the "guinea pigs" of medical advancement. It is an amazing story of progress and hope.