Woman as Healer Paperback – Illustrated, March 13, 1991

Well researched collection of how various cultures have viewed the healing arts. From the time of earliest organized s0cieties, healing was seen as a divine intervention. Hence where female deities were revered, women played an important role in many aspects of that society, including servign as scribes and healers. As the Abrahamic religions evolved male deities gained prominence and the role of women diminished. It was not until the 19th century that women began to assert their gifts in the healing arts. The scientific revolution simply replaced male deities with humans, and that meant men. Women continued to be regarded as lacking the intellect or endurance to be effective healers. Only midwivery was permitted to women, but they were still viewed with suspicion. Early nurses were simply servants. It took Florence Nightengale to professionalize this discipline. Entry of women into the medical professions slowly gained a foothold in the 20th century. Many interesting photographs are included.

Super interesting and informative book. Recommended to any and all women (or men) who practice healing arts and aren't aware of thehistory of women as healers and the punishments incurred as a result of power mongering, fearful patriarchal cultures. We are only beginning to emerge from the Dark Ages at this time... This book serves as a portal for women as healers to heal from their collective past wounds and move into the new paradigm of health and wholeness based on love, kindness, nurturing and the readily available gifts of Mother Earth.

When I approached the principal of my school to propose the launch of a Women's Studies course, he dismissed the idea, saying that he'd do that after we launched a Men's Studies course. He was serious. The dominant demographic never notices his (sic) own advantage. He never noticed that all the courses in high school are men's studies; women are generally ignored or even written out of the history of all fields of study and advances in technology. Anyway, a book such as this would be an invaluable resource for a balanced study of human accomplishments. And we're still waiting for that.

Wife's book:I like it as a pastime read. I bought it because it looked interesting and was only $4. I read it in the tub, in the car while waiting for class, etc. I don't know how well it is researched, but it is very interesting to look at history again in terms of how it affected women healers. As a nursing student, I fall into this category. Enjoy!

This is one of the best books I have ever read. It explains so well how the history of 'healers' in general have gone through such a varied struggle - Not just male vs female, but politics vs female and religion vs female. The book points out that we are still in a state of change and how the struggle is proceeding.

So far this book is very imformative about its subject. I haven't finished it yet. I work as a nurse and love the fact that this book has history of women in the healing profession as a whole, not just limited to nurses.

I bought this book because i'm thinking of going into nursing. It is an excellent history of the patriarchal oppression women have endured as they tried to practice healing. I would recommend it for anyone interested in women's studies or medicine.

I started reading this for my Women's Health course and could NOT put it down. If you are looking for a general yet intelligent and emotional overview of women's history of healing (or lack thereof) this text is for you. I highly recommend it!

This is a great book! I have been aware of it for some time and now have my own copy which I shall treasure for ever! Arrived promptly and in excellent condition.

interesting book