S. Weir Mitchell 
The Autobiography of a Quack, and The Case of George Dedlow 
A Tale of 19th-Century Quackery and Medical Ethics

In ’The Autobiography of a Quack, and The Case of George Dedlow’ by S. Weir Mitchell, readers are transported to a vividly depicted 19th-century America, where medical practices were still in their infancy. The book is a unique blend of fiction and medical history, with Mitchell’s background as a physician shining through in his accurate portrayal of medical procedures and beliefs of the time. The story follows the life of a self-proclaimed quack doctor, whose journey is intertwined with the tragic case of George Dedlow, a young man suffering from a mysterious illness. Mitchell’s writing style is characterized by detailed descriptions and a careful attention to historical accuracy, making the book a valuable resource for those interested in the history of medicine. The moral dilemmas faced by the characters add depth to the narrative, revealing the complexities of medical ethics in the 19th century.