The problem of medical knowledge. Examining the social construction of medicine

texts of Salerno, and smacks of the study. A contrast is provided in one manuscript by the inclusion of questions and answers on similar topics by Albert of Trebizond, "the great philosopher", here reproduced as Annexe 3, which show links with Salerno and the writings of Guillaume de Conches. There is also in it a rare reference to a pseudo-Galenic work, On the secrets ofwomen. Professor Thomasset deserves our thanks for bringing these texts again to our attention, and for devoting to them a clear and detailed commentary. His discussion of medieval ideas on contagion, spontaneous generation, the power of semen, and on human physiology in general provides an elegant synopsis which should prove of great assistance and value to all interested in these topics. To his comments on the mola uteri (text, paras. 316-319; commentary, pp. 141-143) should be added a reference to Y. V. O'Neill, 'Michele Savonarola and the fera or blighted twin phenomenon', Med. Hist., 1974, 18: 222-239; and the whole section on ideas of conception should be compared with M. A. Hewson, Giles ofRome and the medieval theory of conception (1975). Vivian Nutton The Wellcome Institute