Sir William Osler (1849-1919), one of the world's most influential physicians at the turn of the twentieth century, remained popular long after his death largely due to his inspirational texts. Regretfully, changing times and literary tastes have lessened the impact of Osler's addresses despite the timelessness of his ideals and practical advice. Charles Bryan has successfully mended the disfavor in the present volume. Framing the great physician's message in contemporary, easily accessible terms, he allows modern readers to rediscover the immense appeal and pragmatism of Osler's invigorating writings. This volume is based on the author's conviction that Osler was, above all, a motivator. He set high personal goals, achieved them, and inspired others to do the same. Bryan merges what Osler wrote, said, and did with the main themes of today's motivational literature--time management, mentoring, positive thinking, and seeking a balanced life are some examples. He also draws upon the great writers--Shakespeare, Cervantes, Montaigne, Plutarch, and others--whom Osler prescribed as bedside reading for his medical students. Osler emerges as a real-life human being, not a paper saint, but a person who sought the best from his culture and knowledge, and managed to give his best in return. Readers will find this book useful not only as an index to Oslerian thought but also as a guide to principle-based yet pragmatic everyday living.

Osler: Inspirations from a Great Physician

Biographies & Memoirs

Bryan, Charles S.

Professionals & Academics

Oxford University Press

During the early twentieth century thousands of Americans died of pellagra before the cause―vitamin B3 deficiency―was identified. Credit for ending the scourge is usually given to Dr. Joseph Goldberger of the U.S. Public Health Service, who proved the case for dietary deficiency during 1914−1915 and spent the rest of his life combating those who refused to accept southern poverty as the root cause. Charles S. Bryan demonstrates that between 1907 and 1914 a patchwork coalition of American asylum superintendents, local health officials, and practicing physicians developed a competence in pellagra, sifted through hypotheses, and set the stage for Goldberger's epic campaign. Leading the American response to pellagra was Dr. James Woods Babcock (1856-1922), superintendent of the South Carolina State Hospital for the Insane from 1891 to 1914. It was largely Babcock who sounded the alarm, brought out the first English-language treatise on pellagra, and organized the National Association for the Study of Pellagra, the three meetings of which―all at the woefully underfunded Columbia asylum―were landmarks in the history of the disease. More than anyone else, Babcock encouraged pellagra researchers on both sides of the Atlantic. Bryan proposes that the early response to pellagra constitutes an underappreciated chapter in the coming-of-age of American medical science. The book also includes a history of mental health administration in South Carolina during the early twentieth century and reveals the complicated, troubled governance of the asylum. Bryan concludes that the traditional bane of good administration in South Carolina and excessive General Assembly oversight, coupled with Governor Cole Blease's political intimidation and unblushing racism, damaged the asylum and drove Babcock from his post as superintendent. Remarkably many of the issues of inadequate funding, political cronyism, and meddling in the state's health care facilities reemerged in modern times. Asylum Doctor describes the plight of the mentally ill during an era when public asylums had devolved into convenient places to warehouse inconvenient people. It is the story of an idealistic humanitarian who faced conditions most people would find intolerable. And it is important social history for, as this book's epigraph puts it, "in many ways the Old South died with the passing of pellagra."

Asylum Doctor: James Woods Babcock and the Red Plague of Pellagra

University of South Carolina Press

He has been the subject of many articles and books, and Oslerian Societies around the world meet regularly to discuss his legacy. Sir William Osler's eloquent essays and speeches, laced with principles and precepts written in an aphoristic style, have influenced generations of physicians. Organized by topic and thoroughly indexed, The Quotable Osler is the ideal resource for those seeking an apt quote for an article or talk or for those wanting to sample his thought-provoking and uplifting messages. Filled with Osler's best sayings and writings, The Quotable Osler provides a comprehensive view of Osler's wisdom for an audience of the 21st century.

The Quotable Osler

Medical Books

Osler, William

American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine

Murray, T. Jock, M.D.

History

Amer College of Physicians

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Bryan, Charles S.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Bryan, Charles S.