Hernndez Senz (Latin American studies, U. of Calgary) examines the professionalization of medicine in Mexico, relating it to new European ideologies, the organization of the Bourbon armies, and changing social values. She looks at the organization of the profession, the various branches of medicine, the beginnings of formal surgical education, the role of women as practitioners, contemporary treatments, and the quality of service compared to that offered in Europe. She also analyzes different practitioners and their patients, and finds in the rivalry the antagonisms that would eventually lead to independence. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.
