The beginnings of pathology in America: a contemporary analysis of William E. Horner's A Treatise on Pathological Anatomy.

CONTEXT

A Treatise on Pathological Anatomy, published in 1829 by William E. Horner, is the first American textbook on pathology. Several articles have been written on Horner, but they do not evaluate the role that the knowledge he recorded played on the intellectual origin of the discipline of pathology in America. Only one article, published in 1930, deals in some detail with the content of the Treatise. Because of new historiographic standards, this is an opportunity to expand on, and update, that article. Furthermore, Horner's book is now available free online, and print-on-demand paperback copies can be ordered for a modest cost from online booksellers.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the organization and structure of the scientific knowledge found in the Treatise with the intent of demonstrating how this material created the intellectual basis for the origin of pathology as a discipline in America.

DESIGN

Using current historiographic standards, the knowledge included in the book is examined and contextualized within the social, professional, and educational conditions existing at the time of publication. The essay also includes biographic data on the author.

RESULTS

The Treatise contains important information on the principles, ideas, and practice of pathology in the nineteenth century and illustrates the influence of French literature on the author.

CONCLUSION

The contribution of the Treatise as the first formal textbook on the subject in America is seminal and should be the basis for further historic studies on the organization and structure of scientific knowledge in pathology in America.