Includes bibliographical references and index.

In this book, the author tells the hidden stories of history's most amazing medical discoveries. This isn't dry history: these are life and death mysteries uncovered, tales of passionate, often mocked individuals who stood their ground and were proven right; they include a colorful cast of characters whose discoveries were often driven not only by personal tragedy, curiosity, and hard work, but also petty bickering, dumb luck, and a healthy dose of humor. From germs to genetics, the ancient Hippocrates to the cutting edge, these are events that have changed the world, and saved lives. He discusses ten world changing revolutions in medicine and the human discoveries that made them possible, the stories behind antibiotics, vaccines, DNA, X-rays, and more. He relates what happened, how it happened, and what it means today. Revolutionary medical breakthroughs like these haven't just changed the way we treat disease, they have transformed how we understand ourselves and the world we live in.

The world's first physician : Hippocrates and the discovery of medicine -- How cholera saved civilization : the discovery of sanitation -- Invisible invaders : the discovery of germs and how they cause disease -- For the relief of unbearable pain : the discovery of anesthesia -- I'm looking through you : the discovery of X-rays -- The scratch that saved a million lives : the discovery of vaccines -- From ancient molds to modern miracles : the discovery of antibiotics -- Breaking God's code : the discovery of heredity, genetics, and DNA -- Medicines for the mind : the discovery of drugs for madness, sadness, and fear -- A return to tradition : the rediscovery of alternative medicine -- Epilogue -- Appendix A. The milestones, by Discovery.

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