Individuals or groups define their identities in particular ways, choosing from a long list of social variables: nationality, class, race, gender, age, sexuality, occupation or marital status, all of which may change either by choice or fiat. During the 20th century, the issue of identity became increasingly important and yet it remains a problematic category of historical analysis. The historical record is full of diplomats and peasants discussing medicine and health concerns and topics which are significant to the study of medicine - professionalization, therapeutic choice, medical...