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Oliver Wendell Holmes in Paris: Medicine, Theology, and the Autocrat of the Breakfast Table (Becoming Modern: New NineteenthCen,Used
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Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.'s Breakfast Table Trilogy was a series of extremely popular essays published in The Atlantic Monthly from its first issue in 1857 to 1870. Speaking to the cultural and religious concerns of the period, these essays made Holmes famous on both sides of the Atlantic.Author William C. Dowling brings together literary criticism, philosophy, and the history of science to reexamine the Breakfast Table Trilogy through the lens of what Holmes learned as a medical student in Paris in the 1830sduring the Paris revolution in clinical teaching that laid the foundations of modern medicine. There, the young Holmes gained the experience that would eventually manifest so richly in the Breakfast Table Trilogy, which Dowling argues was the major American contribution to the literature of Victorian religious anxiety, keeping company with the works of Tennyson and Carlyle.Though based on the uncompromising philosophical materialism of such works as La Mettrie's L'Homme machine, his experiences in Paris would ultimately suggest to Holmes an alternative view of the bleak physical universe brought into view by Lyell's Principles of Geology and Darwin's Origin of Species. In the Breakfast Table Trilogy' as well as in the writings he produced during his career at Harvard Medical School' Holmes would argue that science, as much as art, music, or literature, was the creation of a human consciousness existing outside or beyond purely physical laws. Holmes's metaphysics of consciousness, Dowling maintains, accounts for his enormous impact on readers on both sides of the Atlantic during the later nineteenth century. In his Paris medical studies lie the hidden origins of that religio medici' or "physician's religion," that would subsequently permit Holmes, in the pages of The Atlantic Monthly, to emerge as spiritual physician to an age of religious doubt."In Dowling's narrative, one can virtually see Holmes developing into the great physician, anatomist, teacher and thinker he would eventually become, all written . . . from the perspective not only of medical theory but also the atmosphere and worldview born out of the zeitgeist to which he was exposed during his time in Paris. This is as much a philosophy book as it is a biography, a study of a distinctive period in medical history or a panoramic and yet intimate survey of early nineteenthcentury Paris. This book is a wonder." Sherwin B. Nuland, M.D., author of How We Die: Reflections on Life's Final Chapter, winner of the National Book Award
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- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures six point zero two inches in length, nine point zero two inches in height, and zero point five nine inches in width.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: This book contains one hundred seventy-nine pages, offering a comprehensive exploration of its themes.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is available in paperback binding, making it flexible and easy to handle.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of this book is William C. Dowling, known for his literary criticism and historical analysis.
- Q: What is the main theme of the book? A: The main theme revolves around Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.'s experiences in Paris and their influence on his literary works.
- Q: What is the book's genre? A: This book falls under literary criticism and biography, combining insights from medicine and theology.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, this book is suitable for academic study, particularly in fields like literature, philosophy, and medical history.
- Q: Can this book be used as a reference for literary criticism? A: Yes, this book serves as a valuable reference for literary criticism, especially regarding Victorian-era literature.
- Q: What should I do to keep this book in good condition? A: To maintain the book's condition, store it in a cool, dry place and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight.
- Q: How should I clean the book if it gets dirty? A: To clean the book, gently wipe the cover with a dry cloth; avoid using water or cleaning solutions.
- Q: What if I receive a damaged copy of the book? A: If you receive a damaged copy, contact the seller for a return or exchange within the specified return period.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: No, there is no warranty for this book, but most sellers offer a satisfaction guarantee.
- Q: How do I find out more about the author's background? A: You can find out more about William C. Dowling's background through biographical resources and literary analysis.
- Q: Is this book a good choice for someone interested in medicine? A: Yes, this book is an excellent choice for those interested in the intersection of medicine and literature.
- Q: Where can I purchase this book? A: You can purchase this book through various online retailers, including major bookstores and academic publishers.