Description: In 1746, Dr John Buchanan, a recently retired medical officer in the British Army, produced a manuscript, 'Regimental Practice, or a Short History of Diseases common to His Majesties own Royal Regiment of Horse Guards when abroad (Commonly called the Blews).' Revised almost until the time of Buchanan's death in 1767, it was primarily based on the author's observations while surgeon to a cavalry regiment serving in Flanders 1742-45 during the War of the Austrian Succession. It is of immense value to the understanding of eighteenth-century interpretation and treatment of diseases, but as yet has never been published. This is an annotated modern edition of the work, set in the context of Buchanan's life and career.
Review Quotes: '... a welcome addition not only to resources on the history of military medicine, but also to eighteenth-century medical practice and innovation more broadly... The publication of Buchanan's manuscript reinforces recent work on early modern and eighteenth-century military medicine that portrays health care in the British armed forces as of a higher standard than has long been assumed, as well as a site for medical innovation and empiricism.' Social History of Medicine