"Bats Rats and Barristers": The Lancet, libel and the radical stylistics of early nineteenth-century English medicine (original) (raw)

This article explores the intersection of radical politics and early nineteenth-century English medicine, particularly through the lens of libel cases surrounding The Lancet and figures like Mr. Wakley. It discusses the tumultuous medical landscape after the Napoleonic Wars, characterized by increasing competition among practitioners and the challenge to the established medical hierarchy. Through historical accounts, the paper highlights the socio-political implications of medical practices and challenges the perception of medical professionalism during a time of unrest.