Health Policy in Britain's Model Colony : Ceylon (1900-1948)/Margaret Jones. New Delhi, Orient Longman, 2004, xv, 309 p., tables, map, $33. ISBN 81-250-2759-9.

    Contents: Preface. 1. Interrogating colonial medicine. 2. Ceylon: the model colony? 3. Policy transfer and the development of medical services. 4. The colonial state and indigenous medicine: pluralism or hegemony? 5. "Care of the people from the cradle to the grave": the diseases of dirt and poverty. 6. The prevention of anchylostomiasis: international and national efforts. 7. The limits of Malaria control. 8. Health services for women and children: imperialism or welfare? 9. Colonial medicine, colonial medicines or just medicine? Appendices. Glossary. Bibliography. Index.

    "Was Western medicine a positive benefit of colonialism or one of its agents of oppression? This question has prompted a vigorous historical and political debate and is explored here in the context the 'model' British Colony of Ceylon.

    In this study, Margaret Jones emphasises the need for both a broad perspective and a more complex analysis. Colonial medicine is critiqued not merely in the political and economic context of imperialism but also against the background of human needs and rights. Her research is underscored by a detailed analysis of public health measures and services in Ceylon. One of its key findings is the accommodation achieved between western and indigenous medicine. Throughout this work, Jones provides nuanced readings of the categories of colonised and coloniser, as well as the concept of colonial medicine.

    Health Policy in Britain's Model Colony provides an understanding of historical trends while simultaneously avoiding generalisations that subsume events and actions. Written in a compelling and lucid style, it is a path-breaking contribution to the history of medicine." (jacket)

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