Since the beginning of the ancient practices that were the precursors to modern medicine, humans have tried to eradicate and prevent diseases, or at the very least to alleviate the symptoms and prevent the worst outcomes. Death, disability, and disfigurement from infection are still prevalent even with current scientific practices, but in the past, such outcomes were even more frequent. This book introduces readers to a variety of diseases that were the feared killers of the past, and to the scientists and doctors who pioneered treatments and preventatives for those diseases. The pages are filled with stories of brilliant innovators who were successful and those who, while well-intentioned, were completely on the wrong track. The descriptions of medical symptoms will appeal to the curious–especially those blessed with both curiosity and a strong stomach. The historical shorts are entertaining, and though some are so critical to the development of medicine that they are almost common knowledge, others are obscure and therefore will be new to most readers. The book is slender, but it is packed full of knowledge conveyed with an entertaining wit. This book is a must-read for young readers who are interested in science or medicine, and even older readers will likely find it interesting.

Review of an Advance Reading Copy from the Publisher

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: None

Violence/Gore: Note that the violence in this book is told in a factual manner that makes it feel less impactful than the same actions would in a work of fiction. A gallows is shown in an illustration; several descriptions of torturous or gross methods used to treat disease; a disease cure involves bathing in animal blood; report of a child maimed by medical treatment; animals are killed a few times; people are killed by others or take their own lives after they are infected with a terrible disease; people are drowned; animals are branded; a scary monster is depicted in an illustration; a few reports of dissection for medical purposes; many deaths by disease; a man is beaten and dies of his injuries (not graphic); a dead body is illustrated; gross medical symptoms are described a few times; siege weapons are used; report of a hanging; report of a child being whipped; mass graves are used for burial; report of deaths by starvation; people are bitten by animals a few times; a few reports of injury and death in war; a man coughs up blood; men are killed and injured in a gunfight; a few reports of gunfights (some with bloody details); report of an assassination; report of an amputation; report of a stabbing; a dangerous human experiment is conducted (not graphic); report of a beheading; a few ships are destroyed; report of death due to injury.

Sex/Nudity: None

Mature Subject Matter:

Capital punishment; theft; racism (briefly discussed); slavery (reported); death (child, parent, spouse, sibling); euthanasia; suicide; mental illness (mention); biological warfare; war; gambling (mentioned); murder (reported); report of a young teen being married (at a time and in a culture where this was socially acceptable).

Alcohol/Drug Use:

Beer is used to treat illness; adults drink beer recreationally; people use drugs (and sometimes poisons) to treat diseases; smoking tobacco is used as a treatment for disease, including use by children; report of chewing tobacco use recreationally; adults drink alcohol, including to the point of drunkenness; political assassination (reported).