Have you seen our newest issue of our kids' magazine? Issue 30 | Under the Microscope investigates the fascinating history of medicine. From the tiniest germ to the largest pandemic, kids can uncover the story of disease and its incredible scientific cures. As always, we’re sharing some additional materials to help kids and parents dive deeper. Use the resources below to learn more about the history of medicine.
Researchers and Aspiring Academics
Here are some helpful texts to get you started on your research journey.
The Black Death 1346-1353: The Complete History by Ole J. Benedictow: Issue 30 explored the deadly history of plagues and pandemics, including the infamous Black Death. Want to learn more? This text is often considered the best introduction to the disease and its far-reaching impact. It explores the Black Death's origin and its spread across Europe, Asia Minor, the Middle East, and North Africa. If you’re looking for a comprehensive history of the plague, then this is the place to start.
The Medieval Islamic Hospital: Medicine, Religion, and Charity by Ahmed Ragab: In Issue 30, readers were introduced to the revolutionary bimaristans during the Golden Age of Islam. These hospitals paved the way for the hospital system we see today. Dive deeper into this fascinating topic with this book. Ragab’s text is the first detailed study on Islamic hospitals, uncovering the world of Islamic sciences and medieval medicine.
The Western Medical Tradition: 800 BC to AD 1800 by Lawrence I. Conrad: This text is essential reading for all students of the history of medicine. Written by leading experts, the book covers the story of Western medicine from the ancient Greeks until 1800. It explores the ideas and discoveries that shaped early medical practices that continue to have an impact today.
The bedridden John, Duke of Normandy, and his physicians, ca. 1380–1400.
Image from the British Library.
Parents and Educators
Add these free resources to your classroom or home curriculum
National Library of Medicine: The NLM is a fantastic tool (not to mention the world’s largest medical library) for your lesson plans. Explore its extensive digital collections to gather resources for your curriculum. You can find photos, personal papers, records, and videos all relating to the history of medicine.
National Museum of Health and Medicine: This museum offers helpful educational resources, including some great STEM teaching materials. Educators can find resources for grades K through 12, such as videos, lesson plans, and interactive activities.
The Cholera Map that Changed the World: Issue 30 explored some of history's most deadly epidemics, including the cholera epidemic. This interactive map shows kids how the scientist John Snow cracked the mystery of the contagious disease in 1854. By plotting the location of every infected person, he was able to uncover the epidemic’s source: a contaminated water pump.
John Snow's cholera map. Image from Wikimedia.
Young Historians
Dive into the world of medicine with these engaging children’s books.
What are Germs? by Katie Daynes and illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens: Curious kids can explore the fascinating world of germs in this illustrated book. It’s the perfect introduction to the science behind germs, answering simple questions like “what are germs?”, “how do they spread?”, and “how do medicines help?”
Plague-Busters!: Medicine's Battles with History's Deadliest Diseases by Lindsey Fitzharris and Adrian Teal and illustrated by Adrian Teal: Throughout history, humankind has battled deadly plagues. This middle-grade book uncovers the story of disease, from scary symptoms to strange cures. Written by the medical historian, Lindsey Fitzharris, its a fact-based and engaging resource for young readers interested in plagues and pandemics.
100 Things to Know About the Human Body by Alex Frith, Minna Lacey, Matthew Oldham, Jonathan Melmoth and illustrated by Federico Mariani, Danny Schlitz: Why are our teeth shaped differently? And why do we feel bloated on planes? Find the answers to these questions and more in this colorful book. It’s packed with surprising facts, covering 100 topics about the human body.
