Dimensions
138 x 205 x 24mm
'The war between disease and doctors fought on the battleground of the flesh has a beginning and a middle but no end . . . ' Mankind's battle to stay alive and healthy for as long as possible is our oldest, most universal and formidable struggle.
This fascinating, witty and often shocking book by Britain's greatest medical historian explores the many ingenious ways in which we have fought disease over the ages in our quest for immortality.
Roy Porter examines the challenging role of doctors, from ancient healers, apothecaries and blood-letters to today's professionals; looks at the drugs we have used, from Ayurvedic remedies to the launch of Viagra in 1998; follows the huge advances in surgery, from amputations performed by barbers without anaesthetic to today's sophisticated transplants.
Startlingly illustrated and informed by a lifetime's knowledge, 'Blood & Guts' is an enlightening study of a subject that unites us all.
