In Search of a Cure: A History of Pharmaceutical Discovery

By Miles Weatherall

This fascinating volume chronicles the role of therapeutics in medical practice and the emergence of the multi-million dollar pharmaceutical industry. It traces the origin of modern medicine from early individual experiments to the development of modern "miracle" drugs and vaccines. Placing this history in its social context, the book describes the profound changes that have accompanied the advent of new medicines, and the social pressures that have driven the research effort. This is also the story of the men and women who have participated in these discoveries, and the changing role of medical professionals brought about by powerful antibiotics and other modern cures. The author brings to his account a deep understanding of the subject, rooted in his experience as a physician trainee in the period before immunization for diptheria and other deadly diseases became widely available. His presentation clearly balances the benefits and risks of today's powerful pharmaceuticals, and discusses the danger of accepting treatments which have no demonstrable worth. This authoritative volume provides a rare view into scientific discovery for anyone with an interest in medicine and history.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0192617478
• ISBN13: 9780192617477
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 324 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Layperson history

One of the best histories of the pharmaceutical industry that I have ever read.