A Comparison of Boerhaave and Haller’s Study Guides for Medical Students

Abstract

Herman Boerhaave and Albrecht von Haller were outstanding figures of medicine in the 18th century and published study guides for medical students. The aim of this study was to clarify the features of these study guides that have not been analyzed, and discuss their historical significance. Literature analysis shows that Boerhaave presented detailed information that was required for medical students, listed the books that students should read for each field of medicine and science, and included mechanics/physics that had not been introduced into medical education before. Subsequently, Haller modified Boerhaave’s study guide and increased the amount of bibliographical information. While Boerhaave only referred to a small number of the best books for each topic, Haller referred to comprehensive lists of books. By expanding the bibliographical references, Haller prevented the obsolescence of Boerhaave’s study guide and contributed toward sustaining Boerhaave’s educational framework. This analysis demonstrates the features of these study guides for medical students in the 18th century.