The Role of Church Missionary Society Doctors in the Prevention and Treatment of Rickets in Kerman (1898-1953)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of History, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of History, Velayat University, Iranshahr, Iran

10.30476/rhm.2025.104925.1264

Abstract

The introduction of modern medicine by religious missions to Iran dates back to the mid-Qajar period. The Church Missionary Society established several hospitals in major cities of Iran, such as Shiraz, Isfahan, and Kerman, significantly advancing the country toward modern medicine. The establishment of the Kerman Missionary Hospital and the activities of English doctors affiliated with the Society, although aimed at promoting Christianity, were instrumental in preventing and treating diseases affecting children working in carpet-weaving workshops. This study, conducted through a descriptive-analytical method and based on library resources and documents available in reputable archival centers such as the National Library and Archives of Iran (NLAI) and records and journals from the University of Birmingham in England, seeks to answer the question of what role English doctors affiliated with the society played in preventing and treating rickets in children. The research findings indicate that performing leg surgeries on rickets patients, which alleviated their difficulties in walking and mitigated future childbirth complications in affected girls, thereby playing a decisive role in rehabilitating the health and lives of these children in the carpet-weaving workshops.

Highlights

Soleyman Heidari (Google Scholar)

Keywords

References

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Journal of Research on History of Medicine
Volume 15, Issue 1
February 2026
Pages 3-18

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