Gideon Harvey

Gideon Harvey

Name	Gideon Harvey
Birth name
Birth date	c. 1636
Birth place	England
Death date	c. 1700
Death place	London, England
Alma mater
Occupation	Physician, Writer
Years active
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Gideon Harvey (c. 1636 – c. 1700) was an English physician and medical writer known for his critical views on the medical practices of his time. He was a prominent figure in the 17th century, often challenging the established medical authorities and advocating for reforms in medical education and practice.

Early Life and Education

Gideon Harvey was born around 1636 in England. He pursued his medical education in several European cities, including Leiden, Paris, and Padua, which were renowned centers for medical learning during the 17th century. Harvey's education abroad exposed him to a variety of medical theories and practices, which influenced his later work.

Career

Harvey began his medical career in London, where he quickly gained a reputation for his outspoken criticism of the medical establishment. He was particularly critical of the Royal College of Physicians, which he accused of being elitist and resistant to new ideas.

Criticism of Medical Practices

Harvey's most famous work, The Conclave of Physicians (1683), was a satirical critique of the medical profession. In this book, he lambasted the incompetence and greed of many physicians, arguing that they were more interested in profit than in the welfare of their patients. Harvey's writings were controversial and sparked considerable debate among his contemporaries.

Advocacy for Medical Reform

In addition to his critiques, Harvey advocated for reforms in medical education and practice. He believed that medical training should be more rigorous and that physicians should be held to higher ethical standards. Harvey also emphasized the importance of empirical observation and experimentation in medicine, aligning himself with the emerging scientific methods of the time.

Major Works

• The Conclave of Physicians (1683) - A satirical work criticizing the medical profession.
• The Art of Curing Diseases by Expectation (1689) - A treatise on the role of natural healing processes and the limitations of medical intervention.
• The Family Physician (1676) - A guide for laypeople on how to manage common illnesses at home.

Legacy

Gideon Harvey's work had a lasting impact on the field of medicine. His critiques of the medical establishment contributed to the ongoing debates about medical ethics and education. Although he was often seen as a controversial figure, his advocacy for reform helped pave the way for future changes in medical practice.

Also see

• William Harvey - A contemporary and fellow physician known for his work on the circulation of blood.
• 17th-century medicine - An overview of medical practices and theories during the 17th century.
• Royal College of Physicians - The professional body criticized by Harvey in his writings.