The Hippocratic Oath isn’t universal. But in the 18th century, the Oath began to be more widely used in medical schools across the British Empire and Europe. The Enlightenment was pushing medical developments along at a fast lick. But concurrently, chattel slavery was in full swing. And a dividing line quickly emerged, between who doctors saw as ‘patients’ and who they viewed as ‘guinea pigs’.

Featuring Anna Arabindan-Kesson, an assistant professor at Princeton University in African American studies. 

Written by Moya Lothian-MacLean

Editor and Producer - Renay Richardson

Researchers - Dr. Alison Bennett and Arisa Loomba

Production Assistant - Rory Boyle

Sound Designer - Ben YellowitzLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices