Judd: Anatomia,1838: Hawaiian Text

Author: Gerrit Parmele Judd and Andy T. Cook

Written in 1838 to teach basic anatomy to Hawaiians enrolled at the Mission Seminary (Lahainaluna School), ""Anatomia"" is the only medical textbook written in the Hawaiian language. The book, presented here in Hawaiian and English, offers insights into native cultural and healing practices.

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Description

Anatomia is the only medical textbook written in the Hawaiian language. Gerrit P. Judd, for a time the only medical missionary in the Islands, wrote the text in 1838 to teach basic anatomy to Hawaiians enrolled at the Mission Seminary (Lahainaluna School). Working from a standard elementary textbook of the time, Judd provided his students with more than a simple, straight translation. Rather than ""Hawaiianize"" Latin or English names and terms, he devised a new vocabulary and explained medical functions and practices in words that would be understood by a Hawaiian. Judd's use of Hawaiian terms and descriptions gives us insights into native cultural and healing practices in the early decades of the nineteenth century. Antomia is a valuable addition to the growing collection of translations on native health and will be greatly appreciated by linguists, historians, and students of Hawaiian language and culture.

About the Author

Esther T. Mookini taught Hawaiian language at Kapiolani Community College, University of Hawaii. Since her retirement, she has worked as a volunteer at the Hawaii Judiciary History Center, where she translates court documents.