Abstract
The study of the evolution of disease patterns provides evidence that during the last century doctors have effected such patterns no more pro foundly than did priests during earlier times. Epidemics came and went, imprecated by both and untouched by either. They are not modified any more decisively by rituals performed in medical clinics than by exorcisms custormary at religious shrines. Discussions of the future of health care might usefully begin with this recognition. (Illich 1975, p. 16).