William Osler's historical scholarship: a contradiction in terms?

For many it is difficult to grasp, let alone understand in any depth, the abundant nature of William Osler's (1849-1919) influence. Although knowing his name as a distinguished physician, few have more than a scant appreciation of his manifold contributions to medicine, and his example as the physician/historian and medical humanist par excellence. This essay considers Osler's scholarship as evidenced in his historical and biographical writings, and some lessons that we might learn from his endeavours.