BMJ : British medical journal
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Historical Article
Placebos in 19th century medicine: a quantitative analysis of the BMJ.
To provide the first quantitative data on the use of the term "placebo" in the 19th century. ⋯ Nineteenth century physicians had diverse a priori assumptions about placebos. These findings remind us that contemporary medicine needs to use rigorous science to separate fact from its own beliefs concerning the "provision of care." As in previous generations, ethical issues concerning placebos continue to challenge medicine.