Self-Help Medical Literature in 19th-Century Canada and the Rhetorical Convention of Plain Language

Jennifer J. Connor McMaster University

Abstract

In earlier centuries, authors of medical works intended for popular readers defended their use of the vernacular against potential criticism from their learned colleagues. Scholars have shown that by the sixteenth to seventeenth centuries such defence reflected rhetorical posturing more than political reality. This article examines self-help medical literature in 19th-century Canada, revealing that authors adopted a similar stance in writing for the public. Not only did this rhetorical convention continue, but it also did not assure adoption of the plain style advocated. Moreover, a comparison of their style with that of medical textbook authors reveals few real differences.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
1994-07-01
DOI
10.2190/6v88-64fg-rp2c-h9mg
Open Access
Closed
Topics

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (1)

  1. Journal of Business and Technical Communication

Cites in this index (4)

  1. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  3. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  4. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Also cites 13 works outside this index ↓
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    Papers of the Bibliographical Society of Canada  
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