Unveiling the Histories of Health and Materiality in the Indian Ocean World

Authored by renowned historian Anne Gerritsen, this groundbreaking volume revolutionizes the study of medical history by introducing the concept of materiality in the Indian Ocean World. By exploring how diverse communities perceived and interacted with health and medical commodities, this book challenges traditional approaches to knowledge, power, and the market.

Defining the Therapeutic Commodity

Gerritsen’s work pioneers the concept of “therapeutic commodity,” examining how various materials were understood and utilized in different settings and for diverse purposes. This innovative approach uncovers new spatial dimensions, revealing how the circulation of commodities created novel regimes of meaning with far-reaching economic and political consequences.

A Vast Range of Material Culture in Medicinal Settings

This comprehensive volume delves into a wide range of material culture in medicinal contexts, including:

• Midwifery and umbilical cords
• Social spaces of soap and perfumes in early modern India
• Remedies for leprosy

By examining these diverse aspects of material culture, Gerritsen sheds new light on the history of medicine and its role in global connections from the early 17th century onwards.

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing; Language: English; ISBN: 9781350195882, 9781350195899; Publication Date: January 12, 2023