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HEART OF MYTH - HEART OF SCIENCE Part I: Harriet Martineau's cardiac symptoms: a Victorian case history

Fay Bound Alberti1

  • 1Medical Humanities Portfolio Development Manager - The Wellcome Trust - 215 Euston Road - London NW1 2BE - UK, ( f.bound-alberti@wellcome.ac.uk - www.fayboundalberti.com ).

Dialogues in Cardiovascular Medicine : DCM
|July 14, 2015
PubMed

Insights

This article examines the historical conflict between the heart as a biological organ and a cultural symbol, exploring its dual meanings in Western medicine and society. It traces this divergence through scientific and emotional perspectives.

Area of Science:

  • History of Science
  • Medical Humanities
  • History of Emotion

Background:

  • The heart holds dual meanings: a biological organ and a potent cultural symbol.
  • Western medical culture since the 19th century has seen a conflict between these meanings.
  • Understanding this conflict is crucial for appreciating the heart's historical and cultural significance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the historical evolution and multifaceted meanings of the heart and its diseases.
  • To analyze the reasons behind the perceived conflict between the scientific and emotional interpretations of the heart.
  • To demonstrate how this conflict manifests in Western medical culture.

Main Methods:

  • Historical analysis of scientific and cultural texts.
  • Case study of Harriet Martineau to illustrate the conflict.
  • Examination of the heart's meanings in past and present contexts.

Main Results:

  • The study identifies a significant divergence between the heart as a scientific object and an emotional symbol.
  • Harriet Martineau's life and work exemplify this historical conflict.
  • The heart's meanings have been manifold and context-dependent throughout history.

Conclusions:

  • The dichotomy between the scientific and emotional heart has shaped Western medical and cultural understanding.
  • Reconciling these dual meanings offers a richer perspective on the heart's significance.
  • Further exploration of historical perspectives is needed to fully grasp the heart's complex role.

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