A physician and the humanities

The article analyses A.V. Litvinov and I.A. Litvinov’s book “Medicine in Literary and Artistic Space” (Moscow, 2012). The monograph studies the plots in national and world literature and art which can be commented from the medical point of view. The article states a broad variety of issues and literary material applied to disclose pathological states and finds the authors’ interpretation convincing, as well as mentions. At the same time, the article mentions some weak points in the book, such as insufficient attention to the literary image of the doctor, certain narrowness in the authors’ treatment of some philosophical, cultural and other issues which results in superficial interpretations of the latter. In conclusion the book is described as a definitely useful research for the humanisation of practical medicine and humanitarisation of medical education.