Nancy Siraisi

Nancy Siraisi

Name	Nancy Siraisi
Birth name
Birth date	1932
Birth place	England
Death date
Death place
Alma mater
Occupation	Historian
Years active
Organization
Known for	History of Medicine
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Nancy Siraisi (born 1932) is a distinguished historian of medicine, known for her extensive work on the history of medicine in the Renaissance and Middle Ages. Her scholarship has significantly contributed to the understanding of how medical knowledge and practices evolved during these periods.

Early Life and Education

Nancy Siraisi was born in 1932 in England. She pursued her higher education at the University of Oxford, where she developed a keen interest in the history of science and medicine. She later moved to the United States to continue her studies and academic career.

Academic Career

Siraisi began her academic career in the United States, where she taught at several institutions, including the City University of New York. Her teaching and research have focused on the intersection of medicine, science, and society in the Renaissance and medieval periods.

Contributions to the History of Medicine

Siraisi's work has been pivotal in understanding the development of medical knowledge and its dissemination in the Renaissance. Her research often explores the relationship between medical theory and practice, as well as the influence of classical texts on Renaissance medicine.

Major Works

Some of her most notable publications include:

• Medieval and Early Renaissance Medicine: An Introduction to Knowledge and Practice (1990)
• History, Medicine, and the Traditions of Renaissance Learning (2007)

These works have been praised for their depth of research and clarity, making complex historical developments accessible to both scholars and students.

Awards and Honors

Nancy Siraisi has received numerous awards for her contributions to the field of history of medicine. In 2008, she was awarded the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, often referred to as the "genius grant," in recognition of her innovative work. She also received the George Sarton Medal from the History of Science Society in 2010, which is the highest honor awarded by the society.

Legacy

Siraisi's work continues to influence scholars in the fields of history, medicine, and science. Her interdisciplinary approach has opened new avenues for research and has inspired a generation of historians to explore the complex interactions between medicine and society.

Also see

• History of Medicine
• Renaissance Science
• MacArthur Fellows Program
• George Sarton Medal