In the 16th century, medical practitioners had their own body of special terms. This book examines the medical terminology used in a selection of 13 medical works published between 1530 and 1612, and compares it with the treatment of these words in dictionaries of today.
Medical practitioners of the sixteenth century had their own body of special terms, just like the doctors of this century. The author examines medical terminology used in a selection of thirteen medical works published between 1547 and 1612, and compares it with the treatment of these words in the OED and other dictionaries of today. This study reveals errors, omissions, and biases which raise questions for lexicographical tools in general. This is an authoritative account of a specialized vocabulary which will be of considerable influence on future studies of sixteenth-century English.
The OED's coverage of sixteenth-century English lexis is quite comprehensive ... dedicated and painstakingly accurate work ... The author provides a careful analysis of a neglected field of Renaissance lexis, the result of many years' diligent work ... a helpful summary of his arguments and findings.
