Gretchen Beilfuss Witt


June 12, 2012
Medical Marvels


William and Helen Bynum have put together a completely fascinating study of the history of medicine in their “Great Discoveries in Medicine.” Illustrated with medieval paintings, 18th century anatomical drawings, x-ray photographs, portraits and political cartoons, it is a spectacular collection of the progress of medical practice. Specific sections describe the discovery and use of medicines – quinine the juice of the cinchona bark, a tree native to South America for malaria; digitalis, a distillation of the foxglove flower for dropsy; the healing mould penicillin for infection. Other sections discuss the tools of the trade. The stethoscope, the iconographic tool of the physician, was invented in 1816 by French physician Laennec. A number of improvements over the next seven decades bring it closer to its modern cousin. Hypodermic syringes, x-ray machines, thermometers and sphygmomanometers all have a spotlight. Eastern and Western medicines from ancient to modern are examined in these short, very readable articles. From the first description of surgery written in hieratic script on Egyptian papyrus to the latest in insulin and hip replacement surgery this volume is sure to captivate.

“Spinoff” is a report on the technology developed by NASA that has been transformed for use on Planet Earth. An amazing catalog of the marvels originally created to sustain the astronauts in outer space. For example, based in part on Space Shuttle fuel pump technology, a tiny implantable heart pump has been developed that will keep a heart beating until a transplant can be accomplished. Due to the distance from Earth to Moon, the space program had to develop medical help that could be administered by non-doctors in emergency situations as well as being highly portable and small. Now a briefcase size box which contains ventilators, heart monitors IV pumps with screens, operating systems and power supplies is being used on the battlefield and in remote places like the polar icecaps. Other chapters include improvements and technological innovations in Transportation, Public Safety, Energy and Environment conservation, Information Technology and Industrial Productivity. Take a look at the less well-known benefits of the NASA Space and Shuttle programs.

A couple other new books promoting good health and medical practice are also worth a look. An updated and revised version of the very popular “Our bodies, Ourselves” is candid and discusses a wide spectrum of women’s health concerns from body image to current health care reform. Katy Bowman’s “Every Woman’s Guide to Foot Pain Relief” is a quick, fun read with clear illustrations, exercises and practical suggestions for discovering and improving your own foot health. From medical history to medical marvels from heart to foot, check out our excellent selection in new medical science books.