For this volume we encourage participants to consider a more theoretical and integrated analysis of medicine, medical practitioners and their patients. We would be interested to receive papers which evaluate the relationship between the socio-religious and physical processes of healing, disease prevention and body maintenance.

Medicine can be considered a 'science', grounded in the material,observable world. Yet outside the modern western world, health and the treatment of disease are understood in many different ways. Incantations, séances, and acts of scapegoating are examples of performative techniques often used to tame supernatural forces and 'heal' fractures in people and society. Apotropaic amulets, charms and surgical tools are material manifestations of such medicinal processes. We consequently wish to consider a number of themes. How are/were medical practitioners or sufferers of ill-health and disability perceived by the wider community? Can healing performances be observed through material culture? And where does the distinction between science and religion lie?

The deadline for abstracts is the 29th July 2011. These should be approximately 300 words in length. Our deadline for submission of papers is 31st October 2011.