Bats, Rats and Barristers: The Lancet, Libel and the Radical Stylistics of Early Nineteenth-Century English Medicine

Reference Type Journal Article
Year of Publication
2014
Contributors Author: Michael Brown
Journal
Social History
Volume
39
Issue
2
Pagination
182-209
Language
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Region
Chronological Period
Abstract
This article seeks to enhance our understanding of the cultures of early nineteenth-century medical radicalism by exploring the parallels between Thomas Wakley, editor of The Lancet and more mainstream forms of radical political expression and performance. In particular it seeks to demonstrate how, by deliberately publishing libellous material and thus positively soliciting prosecutions, Wakley was able to locate his specifically medical campaign within the established traditions of democratic political reform.