Book Description
William Osler, who was a brilliant, innovative teacher and a scholar of the natural history of disease, revolutionized the art of practicing medicine at the bedside of his patients.He was idolized by two generations of medical students and practitioners for whom he came to personify the ideal doctor. But much more than a physician, Osler was a fiercely intelligent humanist.In both his writings and his personal life--and through the prism of the tragedy of the Great War--he embodied the art of living. Indeed, this is a book not only about the evolution of modern medicine, the training of doctors, holism in medical thought, and the doctor-patient relationship, but also about humanism, Victorianism, the Great War, and much else. Meticulously researched and accessibly written, William Osler: A Life in Medicine brings to life both a fascinating man and the formative age of twentieth-century medicine. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

William Osler: A Life in Medicine
I purchased 5 of these books as a "Thank you" to 5 excellent physicians who supported me as an oncology nurse practitioner. Since I was retiring, I wanted to say "Thank you" and each physician was thrilled to receive a copy.

A Biography for all Doctors to Read
This is one of the most absorbing and readable biographies of Sir William Osler. Michael Bliss' book is considerably shorter and easier to read than the monumental Pulitzer Prize winning book by Harvey Cushing, Life of Sir William Osler.
As a retired general practitioner, Sir Willam's life and example is particularly close to what I have been practicing for the past forty years. When one reads this account one can begin to fathom this great man's ability, perception of human suffering, natural curiosity and dedication to the patient's welfare. This book reveals to us some of his other unique abilities and qualities namely his bibliophilia,vast reading, writing close to 170 papers, teaching scores of students, and having the honor of holding responsible and prestigious positions in the fields of medicine and the humanities. In addition to all these were his literally developing Johns Hopkins Hospital and University into the best in the world in his time and marshalled the achievements of hospitals in Philadelphia, Montreal and Toronto. As Regius Professor at Oxford from 1915 to 1919 he was a towering giant . He therefore stands in my eyes as the greatest doctor of the 19th.,20th. and perhaps the 21st. centuries. Not Sydenham, not Hunter, not even Lister could do all that Osler managed to do and do so with so much energy, dedication and humility.
We doctors who were not with him on hospital rounds, clinical demonstrations,lectures, lunches, teas and dinners and amazing conversations with him are very envious of those who were blessed with these opportunities.
He set a living example to his protege the way a doctor should live and work to earn that mark of nobility that the profession has had for centuries. He was the healer of all healers and inspired many to literally follow his foot steps. To mention two such would be too few but the likes of Harvey Cushing and Wilder Penfield come to mind and they both became superb neurosurgeons even though their hero, Osler , was an internist. I was astounded to read the great numbers of international luminaries who were treated by him. He ministered to doctors and their families, medical students and staff and was thus a doctor's doctor both as a teacher and physician.
His love of little children, the youth, the aged and his own extended family was exemplary to say the least.
How sad that such a doctor left the world at a mere 70 years of age. Three great nations, Canada, the U.S. and Britain all claim him as their own son. That honor and adulation no one and no doctor has the distinction of achieving. He served all of them so well.
We all stand in awe of this stalwart of modern medicine and Michael Bliss has opened our eyes to this individual so well.

A Brilliant Biography of a Brilliant Doctor
Despite almost a century since his death, William Osler persists as the `the grand old man of medicine', a life devoted to doctoring and doctors, who has supplied inspiration for many generations of physicians in the United States, Canada, Britain and the Continent.

Osler's life was a remarkable achievement as a medical teacher, (important in America in giving medical students real medical experience, as clinical clerks in hospitals) physician, prolific author, councillor, researcher and mentor to literarily thousands of men and women embarking on the profession in the medicos. It was the philosopher and great teacher, William James, who commented to Osler, marvelling and his energy and interests. Osler replied, that he was terribly conscious of time that it was a commodity he wished he could buy more of, as there was so much he could do with it. (p. 502) Osler's zest for work and unbounding passion for medicine set the standard for medical women and men in the twentieth century.

After reading Michael Bliss's brilliant biography of the pioneering neurosurgeon, Harvey Cushing, another remarkable medical man, and Osler's first biographer, it seemed only natural to read about Cushing's mentor. Both biographies are first rate and it really would be a disservice to compare them, because both works are thorough, educational, inspiring and definitive contributions to the greats of medical history.

Osler is the author of the currently classic text, The Principles and Practice of Medicine, which became the core textbook for students and practicing physicians during his life. It became a yearly task for the doctor to revise later editions, (sixteen in all) and in present time, for modern doctors, according to Bliss, has now become patient-centred and a historical document of the state of 19th century medicine.

Osler is famous for his bedside manner, the notion of empowering patients and autonomy in clinical practice. The man's faith in medicine and the legendary "aura" of healing that surrounded him, causing patients to regain the faith in their own healing ability, has caused a renewed interest in humanities joining forces with science, a proper balance, ensuring an optimal treatment and outcome for the patient.

How did the man accomplish so much in one lifetime? Similar to the 18th century philosopher, Immanuel Kant, people close to him could adjust their clocks to the second by the philosopher's movements. Osler was the same: his day was usually planned down to the minute, rising at seven and retiring by ten-thirty everyday.

He was also a man born with writing disease, never a day would go by without putting pen to paper, as his articles, correspondence, speeches and books certainly reveal. A consummate bibliophile, his collection of medical texts and related subjects, at the end of his life reached eight thousand, taking many years to catalogue, ending up being donated, as was his wish, to McGill University.

An excellent biography of an extraordinary man of medicine.

A Real Eminent Victorian
William Osler remains an iconic figure in American medicine.Osler is taken often to epitomize the physician who brings a crticial and scholarly approach to the bedside in conjunction with compassion and empathy.In this very well written biography, Bliss traces Osler's life, his achievements, and examines how he assumed iconic status and whether or not this status is deserved.Bliss is particularly well equipped to undertake this task.A well known specialist on Canadian history, he has written other fine books on medical history in a Canadian context.
Bliss presents Osler as a product of the rising British Victorian middle classes.The remarkable son of impressive parents, Osler was the son of an English naval officer turned Anglican minister and his equally intelligent wife.Raised in rural Ontario when this part of Canada was still a frontier, Osler's parents inculcated respect for learning, dedication to hard work, and clearly taught the value of community service.William Osler was not an outlier in this family.One of his brothers became a prominent businessman and two other brothers became important figures in Canadian law and politics.An early interest in natural history (biology) lead Osler to medicine.Trained in then provinicial Toronto and Montreal, he finished his education in some of the great teaching hospitals of Europe.Spotted by his mentors in Montreal as a future star, he was brought back to McGill to teach at the modest medical school.At McGill, Osler launched the career of careful clinical observation, pathologic correlation, and teaching that would propel him to the apex of his profession.His growing reputation led to appointments at the University of Pennsylvania and then to the nascent Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.At Hopkins, he became the first Professor of Clinical Medicine and introduced the teaching methods that revolutionized medical education in the USA.Relatively little of what Osler did was truly novel.Clinico-pathologic correlation has been standard method for expanding medical knowledge for decades and the clerkship method of teaching had been used in Britain and continental Europe for some time.Osler carried these methods to new heights.In his clinical practice, in his teaching, and in his great textbooks, Osler summarized and codified almost all of 19th century medicine.He was not a notable scientist, though his description and characterization of several important clinical conditions was very valuable, but he brought the best science of his time to the bedside and set clinical medicine on the course of drawing from systematic scientific work.In terms of his personal accomplishments and the example he set for his numerous trainees, his impact on 20th century medicine was immense.
Osler's reputation as a fine physician was deserved.Bliss shows him to be an warm and compassionate individual who was regarded often with great affection by his patients.Blessed with a generous and kindly personality, he enjoyed a wide circle of friends and a happy family life.In important respects, Osler exemplifies some of the most important and most admirable features of the Victorian period.His sense of virtue and service was very strong but he was not a prig and had relatively liberal values.Traveling in Germany towards the end of the 19th century, he noted and deplored rising anti-Semitism.He appears to have been devoid of overt anti-Semitic feelings and had a number of Jewish trainess, all of whom he appears to have treated with his usual combination of high expectations and civil behavior.Alone among the faculty at Hopkins, he supported the admission of women, though he did not really believe in female equality.Bliss spent years immersed in Osler's extensive writings and tremendously extensive correspondence, clearly likes and admires Osler, and his regard for Osler is reflected in the tone of this biography.

Osler was also that quintessential Canadian, the provincial boy who achieves fame on the wider stage of the USA or Britain.At the peak of his fame, he was the best known physician in the English speaking world and something of a minor celebrity.
Like all fine biographies, this book is about more than its central subject.It is valuable on the development of Canadian society, the growth of universities in the USA and Canada, the history of medicine, and the devastating impact of WWI.
This will be the standard biography of Osler and it is worthy of its subject.

the good doctor
This is, quite honestly, a hefty tome, but no less may be expected when writing about the greatest American physician who ever lived. Bliss presents us with a detailed, well-paced, and engaging biography of Dr. Osler, from his childhood days in Canada to his final years at Oxford. Being both a student of medicine and a Baltimorean (currently), I took a special interest to the chapters devoted to his post as the first chief of medicine at the Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Unlike the time-honored work by Cushing, Bliss's book is no hagiography; it makes no false overtures about Dr. Osler's iconic grandeur, instead letting the reader discover for himself (or herself) that Dr. Osler was, in fact, as great a man as people say he was. (All that being said, I still value the two-volume Cushing biography, and there is no way I will rid myself of the precious first-edition set I snatched up last year at the Maryland Historical Society bookshop!)

One need not practice Oslerolatry (that is, the veritable worship of Dr. Osler expressed by many of the older faculty at Hopkins and elsewhere) to appreciate this book, though having an interest in medicine and/or medical history may help. Critics often lament that American doctors no longer have any professional integrity, and that taking the Hippocratic Oath is a sham. Read this book, and discover how great the American physician can be...and THEN lament that they don't make them like they used to. ... Read more

Book Description
Sir William Osler (1849–1919) had a long and distinguished career as a physician and professor at McGill University, the University of Pennsylvania, the Johns Hopkins University, and finally, as the Regius Chair in Medicine at Oxford University. Over the course of his professional life, Osler gave many addresses—mostly to medical students—on medical ethics, medicine and the humanities, the relationship between the medical practitioner and the patient, and, as the titular essay makes clear, on the “way of life” he advocated for the ethical physician. He remains an inspiration to many contemporary medical practitioners; there are active Osler Societies throughout the world.
While Osler’s talks were frequently published during his lifetime and they have been published individually and in different compilations since his death, none contain the over 1500 annotations that appear here, notes that serve to explain the many philosophical, biblical, historical, and literary allusions contained in Osler’s writings.
This thoroughly explicated selection of Sir William Osler’s writings will be cherished by physicians, medical students, nurses, philosophers, theologians, and ethicists in this—and future—generations.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

straight from the doctor's plume
If you are a student of medicine (current, former, or hopeful), chances are that you will read at least one essay, address, or other writing of Sir William Osler. And, like all students past, you won't have a clue about what in the world the good doctor was saying. Dr. Osler was a peerless medical scholar, an erudite man of letters whose vast learning towered over that of his contemporaries and even moreso of the doctors of today. He was to medicine what Samuel Johnson was to lexicography. Unless you have degrees in philosophy, philology, literature, and classics (in addition to medicine), you will most likely be just as confused as you will be inspired by Dr. Osler's writing.

Thankfully, we have this new book from Duke University Press. With more annotations than a Harvard Law Review issue, this well-selected sample of Dr. Osler's most well-known papers and addresses presents an effective "translation" to satisfy all medical scholars who, though they seek to emulate Osler's compassion and skill, just can't understand all of his references. When I first read "Aequanimitas," I felt like an ignoramus. After reading it again in this present volume, I felt like an enlightened student eager to carry the Aesculapian staff into the new milennium (or something like that). I highly recommend this book to all medical students and physicians who seek a model of professional excellence in Dr. Osler, but who have heretofore scratched their heads when reading his papers. Revisit "A Way of Life." Read the footnotes. Then don your white coat, tend to your patients, and be proud of the great American medical tradition set forth by Dr. Osler so many years ago. ... Read more

Book Description
A timeless collection of essays from famed physician and statesman, the late William Osler, MD Capturing the essence of the healing art, the book makes the perfect gift item or serves as a welcome pause that refreshes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Osler the great physician!
"Aequanimitas" is the very book must be read by all the medical students all over the world!The spirits of Osler is in this book, and will be in all the mind of the students who read it. ... Read more

Product Description
Blue buckram cloth bindings with gilt lettering. 685; 732 pages. ... Read more

Product Description
He has been the subject of many articles and books, and Oslerian Societies around the world meet regularly to discuss his legacy. Sir William Osler's eloquent essays and speeches, laced with principles and precepts written in an aphoristic style, have influenced generations of physicians.Organized by topic and thoroughly indexed, The Quotable Osler is the ideal resource for those seeking an apt quote for an article or talk or for those wanting to sample his thought-provoking and uplifting messages. Filled with Osler's best sayings and writings, The Quotable Osler provides a comprehensive view of Osler's wisdom for an audience of the 21st century. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A must for "Osler Lovers"
I know three of the medical doctors (All members of the Osler Society) who assembled these choice selections uttered and (mostly) penned by Sir William Osler . . who seems to have felt strongly on only one controversial subject = that men seldom did any worthwhile creative work after age 40 and would do well to be "chloroformed" at age 60.Sir William died at age 70.The term "Internal Medicine" was coined in German-speaking Europe during Sir William's post-graduate training years there and he established the definition of the "specialty" at Johns Hopkins. The "specialty" has now out-lived its usefulness but our reverence for the man who contributed more than any other to the art and science of patient care obviously is being passed along to many young men and women who choose to be REAL PHYSICIANS. ... Read more

Book Description
Sir William Osler (1849-1919), one of the world's most influential physicians at the turn of the twentieth century, remained popular long after his death largely due to his inspirational texts. Regretfully, changing times and literary tastes have lessened the impact of Osler's addresses despite the timelessness of his ideals and practical advice. Charles Bryan has successfully mended the disfavor in the present volume. Framing the great physician's message in contemporary, easily accessible terms, he allows modern readers to rediscover the immense appeal and pragmatism of Osler's invigorating writings.This volume is based on the author's conviction that Osler was, above all, a motivator. He set high personal goals, achieved them, and inspired others to do the same. Bryan merges what Osler wrote, said, and did with the main themes of today's motivational literature--time management, mentoring, positive thinking, and seeking a balanced life are some examples. He also draws upon the great writers--Shakespeare, Cervantes, Montaigne, Plutarch, and others--whom Osler prescribed as bedside reading for his medical students. Osler emerges as a real-life human being, not a paper saint, but a person who sought the best from his culture and knowledge, and managed to give his best in return. Readers will find this book useful not only as an index to Oslerian thought but also as a guide to principle-based yet pragmatic everyday living. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A personal development textlike no other
This book is truly a treasure trove of inspiration.

Having read a remarkable biography of William Osler, William Osler: A Life in Medicine by Michael Bliss, late last year, the author seemed to capture the almost magical charisma that Osler possessed according to the hundreds of testimonies from colleagues, students and friends.

This biography is an inspiration, and it is without doubt that William Osler is the most influential and famous physician of the early twentieth century. But what was it about the man and his habits that inspired so many other famous physicians and scholars including his first biographer, Dr. Harvey Cushing, the icon and international pioneer of brain surgery? (see another Bliss biography on the great brain surgeon, Harvey Cushing: A Life in Surgery) Osler left only one scholarly text, THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF MEDICINE., however, for its time, the text became the most important reference for physicians across the world. (Currently a collectors piece) This terrifically constructed text by physician Charles S. Bryan is a labour of gratitude to its subject, gleaning from Osler's many speeches, diaries, biographies and the thousands of articles which the old doctor published, to pass on William Osler's successful habits, attitude of mind where,

"His unique blend of clinical competence, easy familiarity with the liberal arts, energy, charisma, and idealism made him something of a symbol of humanism in medicine for physicians and laypersons alike."

Dr. Bryan has organized these inspirations under specific headings, for example:

Manage Time Well

Find a Calling

Find Mentors

Care Carefully

Learn and Teach

For me, really, the most inspiring chapters are Communicate "Secrets of the Heart" and Learn and Teach "Driving Plato's Horses". It is in these chapters that Osler emphasised the importance of learning to write well, learning to speak well and that necessary skill for the physician, learning to listen.

William Osler, similar to other men in history of mammoth achievement, managed his time well, sometimes to the minute. Osler called this habit "day-time-compartments", flawless organization and the love of work.

This book is a "personal development" text like no other, practical skills to learn and the creation of positive habits that can lead to a more meaningful, productive and successful life.

Highly recommended for students of the medicos and anyone wanting to learn the values and successful habits of one of the great physicians of the twentieth century. ... Read more

Book Description

A photographic tribute to the man who changed the practice of medicine.

A little over a hundred years ago, becoming a doctor was dangerously easy. Admission requirements for training were low and the M.D. was automatically given after the second term, regardless of the student's academic performance. Teaching was by lecture alone, and a student could graduate without ever seeing a patient.

Within the space of his lifetime William Osler (1849-1919) worked tirelessly to change medical schools from trade schools into intellectually demanding academic institutions. Osler founded the Department of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University and later became a professor emeritus of medicine at Oxford University.

Doctors' Work shows how one remarkable man revolutionized medical schools and redefined the physician-patient relationship.

A biographical profile of Osler is followed by photographs of physicians, nurses, and medical technicians at work. Photographed by Ted Grant using extremely high-speed film and virtually silent cameras, these images capture the compassion and dedication of front-line healthcare professionals. Each photograph is accompanied with an insightful quotation by Osler, Pasteur, Curie, Einstein, Nightingale, and many others.

Through words and photographs, Doctors' Work is a celebration of MDs, RNs and health care professionals everywhere.

Customer Reviews (2)

Megalomania On Call
Dr. Harvey Cushing wrote this book about his mentor, the Canadian physician Dr. William Osler. Once one gets past his breathless, fawning, hyperbolic style, the facts emerge: Osler was a maniac for human dissection. Any time of day or night, once someone expired they were thrown on the dissecting table and he put on a show for his many worshipful acolytes. No doubt, the human anatomy can only be studied by dissection...but did he have to relish it? I was interested in reading this book because of a quote excerpted from it in the 1960's Time/Life series, The Physician. Unfortunately the author of that book chose to do a "...." qoutation that made Osler look like he cared for a patient, an indigent black man who had a rare, fatal disease. Reading the entire text, it is clear that he only wanted to cut him up after the fact for his own morbid curiosity. A graet example of how quotations can be misrepresented. In short, the book was overly long but illuminating. Cushing did not seem to use good sense in his portrait of the man, but perhaps his view of him as untouchable and unquestionable led to his many lapses of judgement in sharing so many strange stories. The only triumph is that Osler never had a disease named after him, no doubt a slice of immortality that he craved. He has a sad substitute, the minor "Osler's Sign". If you liked this book, you might enjoy "Sweeney Todd"

Excellent historical perspective about a man and his works
This textbook, for that is what it really is, will enrapture the novice and expert seeker of medical history.Dr. Cushing has written about Dr. Osler in a honest, warm and human manner.Current students of medicine will revel in the tidbits of knowledge and in the practice of medicine in the early 1900's.Dr. Osler's life and his exploits are legendary in the medical community and this book gives tribute to a person who touched others in a most positive manner.Required reading for all M.D.'s. ... Read more