Health in the Time of Marcel Proust
The famed French novelist Marcel Proust (1871–1922) lived during an extraordinary period in the history of medicine and the world. Living in Paris, Proust’s life was set against the backdrop of the vibrant French golden age known as the Belle Époque. During the 51 years of his life, the health sciences changed dramatically. The son of a doctor, Proust was often ill and even bedridden. His various ailments and treatments frequently appear in his works.
Technological advances and an emphasis on scientific inquiry improved the understanding of health and medicine. Medical education became standardized in formal academic institutions. The fields of nursing and dentistry emerged as distinct professions with their own training requirements. Catastrophic epidemics on local and national levels led to rapid improvements in disease treatment and prevention. Efforts by government agencies and health care personnel formed the basis of modern public health. The Belle Époque was defined by soaring cultural growth but was followed by the depths of war. The First World War was a devastating event of this period with lasting effects on the health sciences and society.
Connecting us to the past, Health in the Time of Marcel Proust presents highlights of developments in health and social upheavals across Europe, the U.S., and right here in Alabama. The unique holdings of UAB Historical Collections highlight the triumphs, trials, and tragedies of Proust’s world.