Medicine and Slavery

Discover the profound insights of Medicine and Slavery by Todd L. Savitt, published in 1981. This compelling 352-page paperback delves into the complex relationship between medicine and race during the 19th century in the United States. Savitt critically examines the purported medical differences between whites and Blacks, which were often misconstrued as indicators of racial inferiority.

The book offers a thorough evaluation of the diet, hygiene, clothing, and living conditions of African Americans, shedding light on the health challenges they faced in urban settings, industrial sites, and plantations. By analyzing the diseases and health conditions that afflicted this community, Savitt provides a vital historical context that enriches our understanding of social conditions and public policy related to slavery and health care. A must-read for anyone interested in Black studies, history, and the evolution of medicine in America.