“The
Physician” by Noah Gordon
“The Physician” is a story that tells how a young boy is determined to become a
true
physician. The story starts in 11th century England, growing in London, near the Thames river, Rob Jeremy the oldest boy of Cole family already attends to his brothers and sister and helps Mam, Agnes with house chores. He became an orphan at the age of nine since both his parents died in short time, his mother died right after giving birth to a little baby and soon his father Nathanael, a carpenter who worked at the wharfs, due to complication of severe cough. Those days, the fate of children that none of the parents survived was to be separated to live with another family who was willing to take a child such as woodworker, priest, baker. Rob was taken by a Barber-surgeon who was seeking a prentice. From here on, for several years while traveling across the country Barber taught Rob many skills such as juggling balls for entertainment, the use of weapon for protection the sword and dagger, and of course to examine the sick and treat the ill. Rob realizes he has a gift and an inner feeling for people’s health condition. All along Rob hopes to find his brothers and sister and to reunite with them but all his inquiries do not come up with clear answer. Once Rob encountered a doctor who could improve cataract patient eyesight by cutting the clouded lens. This raises Rob curiosity of a real cure and he
decides to talk with this physician Merlin. The later tells him about an academy where he learned to do this, but it is located half the world away. Rob is eager to hear more about this school for medical education. The Jew doctor Merlin tells him about Persia where he went to study in Ispahan. Rob is fascinated to know about the great physician called Ibn Sina. He decides deep in himself to pursue this career, which takes turn at the sudden death of Barber. Rob is set to a long journey to the East, joining a caravan and getting friendly with merchant jews with whom he spends quiet some time watching their customs. They also help him to learn the Farsi languages while getting closer to his destination. Rob also gets into a true and serious relationship with a scotish girl Mary Margaret Cullen that eventually will become his wife and mother of his children. But first he must enroll and attend lessons in the hospital as Ibn Sina’s student for several years. The character of Rob is a strong one, in his struggle to learn and work so many hours. His personality allows him to overcome some critical moments at life and to continue with dedication for patients and yearning to learn more. He has a scientist mind with yearning to explore the nature and course of diseases. Along the book the reader learns detailed history about the behaviour of people during the middle ages, including apprentices and professions, religions, food and clothing and in addition to culture, geography and politics of countries that spread from Europe to Asia. An amazing book with an author to admire that had done thorough research in many libraries as background to this writing.