The History of Medicine in Twelve Objects

Discover the fascinating history of medicine, from its primitive beginnings to the life-saving technologies of today.

Award-winning author Dr Carol Cooper takes you on a journey through the 12 objects that have come to define medicine through the ages. From the barbaric and bizarre to the inventive and impressive, this captivating read is peppered with fascinating anecdotes.

In this unique history, you will discover how ill health has been with us for as long as humans have existed, as has the drive to treat and understand it. Over the centuries, the ways in which doctors have engaged with sickness have changed drastically, and so too have the tools at their disposal.

As these tools have morphed and evolved, our knowledge of health and disease has expanded. Medical theories have slowly advanced, allowing people to live longer and healthier lives.

The 12 ground-breaking tools explored in this collection include:

• The Trephine
• The Bone Saw
• The Mask
• The Microscope
• The Stethoscope
• The Ether Inhaler
• The Hypodermic Syringe
• The Obstetric Forceps
• The X-ray Machine
• The ECT Machine
• The Hip Prosthesis
• The Heart-Lung Machine

The history of these medical tools is truly astounding, revealing the full extent of human ingenuity, curiosity, and compassion.

This is a book for anyone interested in medical history or seeking a fresh and dynamic take on their specialist subject. With her immense knowledge and engaging writing style, Dr Cooper delivers a history that is not for the faint of heart.

'Sometimes gruesome, frequently fascinating, and on occasions very funny indeed.' – Mail on Sunday

'...a medical and historical delight.' – Dr Hilary Jones

‘A fabulous read. Written in a very engaging style, if your favourite medical object isn’t in the top twelve, you’re sure to find it in the very extensive timeline.’ – Dr Phil Hammond

'An absorbing and hugely informative book.' – Dr Gill Sutherland