Official Review: Medicine and Mission by Robert Colledge

Teele · Post by **Teele** » 30 Nov 2020, 17:10

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Medicine and Mission" by Robert Colledge.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Medicine and Mission by Robert Colledge is a biography on the life of Thomas Richardson Colledge, a nineteenth-century pioneering doctor. Amidst other interesting events in Thomas's life, the book also covers his missionary and clinical work in China. This detailed account has indeed captured the 'interesting' times in the life of this unique and endearing personality.

Thomas Richardson Colledge is the great-great-grandfather of the author, Robert Colledge. He was raised in the Northamptonshire Village of Kilsby at the old manor house. He later got married to Caroline Matilda Shillaber.

The author has left no stones unturned in obtaining Thomas's history from trustworthy sources. This book gives a recap of Thomas's time at Rugby school. At the young age of 15 years, he enrolled in the Leicester Infirmary and Fever House where he began receiving medical training. In 1817, he continued his medical training in London where he obtained his certificate of corporation of surgeons. Gradually, Thomas began the journey that eventually led him into the East India Medical Service. How did Thomas fare while in the employ of John Company? How did his relationship with his immediate and extended family turn out? What did his philanthropic work in China accomplish? These are intriguing questions answered in this book.

The quality that stands out in this book is honesty. The author is quite open about his sources of information. Thomas' history is presented with specific dates, events, and even colorful pictures of places of interest which were illustrated by the author. For me, these pictures were the major highlights of this book. The information in the book is well-organized to prevent confusion. Little details give depth to the story. Some of these are found in the excerpts of writings from Caroline's school friend, Harriet Low, who seemed to have a crush on Thomas.

The author does not attempt to portray the main character as a Saint. When speculating about the motives behind Thomas's letter to his brother, the author did not ascribe purely noble intents to Thomas. After reading this book, I came to new realizations. I understood the probable motives behind collaborations between Medical doctors and missionaries. The excerpts of letters of gratitude from patients who benefited from the free treatments in Macao also lends credence to this book.

I would rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I found some typographical errors in the narrative. This is the only dislike I have about this book. However, there is much to learn from the rich life of Thomas Richardson Colledge. Lovers of biographies relating to medical practice in the nineteenth century would find this book quite informative.

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Medicine and Mission
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Eutoc · Post by **Eutoc** » 05 Dec 2020, 16:18

Your review was engaging to read tho I don't think I would enjoy this book. Thanks for sharing.

Sararob06 · Post by **Sararob06** » 05 Dec 2020, 16:47

I think biographies written honestly are the best kind, no one is perfect and mistakes can be learned from. It sounds like an interesting life and someone who appreciates biographies would certainly appreciate this one. Good job!

Phelicia Gloria · Post by **Phelicia Gloria** » 05 Dec 2020, 21:19

The author must have well researched about Thomas Richardson, to give such detailed information, indeed this a great book. Good review pal

Honest-reviewer · Post by **Honest-reviewer** » 05 Dec 2020, 23:30

I’m not very fond of biographies, but this book seems quite good. Thanks for your wonderful review.

Chigo Nwagboso · Post by **Chigo Nwagboso** » 06 Dec 2020, 01:27

' Honesty is the best policy' I'm glad to hear that the author was honest and transparent with his sources of info. Great review.

Dominik_G · Post by **Dominik_G** » 07 Dec 2020, 03:18

I love biographies and Medicine and Mission has a very interesting theme. I might give it a go. Thank you for your great review!

Teele · Post by **Teele** » 21 Dec 2020, 10:16

Sararob06 wrote: ↑05 Dec 2020, 16:47 I think biographies written honestly are the best kind, no one is perfect and mistakes can be learned from. It sounds like an interesting life and someone who appreciates biographies would certainly appreciate this one. Good job!

Phelicia Gloria wrote: ↑05 Dec 2020, 21:19 The author must have well researched about Thomas Richardson, to give such detailed information, indeed this a great book. Good review pal

Eutoc wrote: ↑05 Dec 2020, 16:18 Your review was engaging to read tho I don't think I would enjoy this book. Thanks for sharing.

I appreciate your encouraging comments. Thanks a lot.

Teele · Post by **Teele** » 21 Dec 2020, 10:19

Honest-reviewer wrote: ↑05 Dec 2020, 23:30 I’m not very fond of biographies, but this book seems quite good. Thanks for your wonderful review.

Chigo Nwagboso wrote: ↑06 Dec 2020, 01:27 ' Honesty is the best policy' I'm glad to hear that the author was honest and transparent with his sources of info. Great review.

Dominik_G wrote: ↑07 Dec 2020, 03:18 I love biographies and Medicine and Mission has a very interesting theme. I might give it a go. Thank you for your great review!

Thanks for stopping by. You would find this biography to be a unique one.