Margaret Humphreys Bücher

In 1986 Margaret Humphreys, a Nottingham social worker, investigated a woman's claim that, aged four, she had been put on a boat to Australia by the British government.

The book delves into the high mortality rates of Black soldiers during the American Civil War, primarily due to disease, malnourishment, and poor medical care. Historian Margaret Humphreys reveals how contemporary physicians often misinterpreted these deaths as evidence of innate racial inferiority, despite some recognizing the true causes. Through archival research, she highlights the systemic neglect faced by Black soldiers and how prevailing stereotypes about race persisted in medical discourse, overshadowing the realities of their experiences.

Exploring the multifaceted impact of malaria in America, Margaret Humphreys delves into its biological history, medical responses, and patient experiences. The book examines how the disease has influenced settlement patterns and economic development, particularly in the South. It addresses the parasite's resilience, the evolution of professional understanding, and the societal perceptions surrounding the illness. Additionally, it highlights the crucial role of malaria control in shaping public health interventions and the intricate links between poverty, race, and geography in combating the disease.

The book presents a meticulously researched and unbiased exploration of historical themes, particularly focusing on the South and its intersections with science and medicine. The author's clear thesis and engaging writing style make complex topics accessible, appealing to a diverse audience of historians. This work is poised to become a significant contribution to the literature in its field, showcasing exemplary historical scholarship and offering fresh insights into its subjects.

The narrative focuses on Dr. J. D. Harris, an African American physician who navigated significant societal changes while serving as a contract surgeon during the Civil War and later with the Freedmen's Bureau. Born in a slave state, Harris's journey is remarkable, particularly as he learned to read despite literacy laws against Black individuals. His early medical career, predating the establishment of Howard Medical School, underscores the barriers faced by African Americans in medicine and the gradual dismantling of those obstacles in the 1860s.

The American Civil War resulted in unprecedented health crises, claiming over a million lives and leaving many more injured or mourning. Both Union and Confederate governments struggled to establish adequate medical care, including nursing and supplies, for their soldiers. While Northern resources facilitated quicker recoveries and returns to battle, Confederate troops faced severe shortages and hardships, which hindered their healing process. This stark contrast highlights the challenges of wartime medicine and the impact of resource availability on soldier recovery.