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In:Corpus Pragmatic Studies on the History of Medical Discourse
Edited by Turo Hiltunen and Irma Taavitsainen
[Pragmatics & Beyond New Series 330] 2022
► pp. 251–272

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Chapter 11
Communicating authority

Self-mentions in Early Modern English medical narratives (1500–1700)

 | University of Glasgow
Published online: 1 July 2022
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https://doi.org/10.1075/pbns.330.11oll
Abstract
This sociopragmatic case study examines 31 narrative passages across 23 different early modern medical texts in order to determine how medical writers use the narrative discourse mode to construct their own authority as medical professionals. Based on how the authors present themselves through self-mentions, the narratives have been divided into two different types: treatment narratives and narratives of discovery. The findings of the study suggest that early modern medical writers take on different authoritative roles in these narratives based on the aims of their text. Overall, however, all of the narratives are used to highlight the medical practitioners’ professional skill and experience, which adds to the authoritativeness of their claims.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Material and methods
  • 3.Treatment narratives
  • 4.Narratives of discovery
  • 5.Discussion
  • 6.Conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
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