A Discourse on the Plague (eBook)

Richard Mead (1673–1754) was an English physician whose contributions to the field of medicine were highly influential in the 18th century. Earning his M.D. from the University of Padua, Mead's career burgeoned as he became a leading figure in the medical community. His work, 'A Discourse on the Plague' (1720), delved into the causes, prevention, and treatment of bubonic plague, demonstrating Mead's forward-thinking approach in epidemiology and public health service. He was not only known for his scholarly endeavors but also for his practical involvement during the 1720 and 1743 London plague scares. Mead's writings often merged the clinical with the scholarly, as he emphasized the importance of empirical evidence and preventative measures in combating diseases. His literary style is characterized by a clear, systematic approach to the topics he covered, as well as a reliance on both classical knowledge and contemporary scientific thought. Mead's lasting impact on the medical field is evident in his election as a Fellow of the Royal Society and his counsel to prominent figures of his time. He was further acclaimed for his extensive collection of books and artifacts, underlying his status as a polymath and a patron of the arts and sciences.