Rutkow, Ira M

"From a . . . surgeon and historian with five decades of experience comes a . . . history of surgery's development--spanning the Stone Age to the present day--blending . . . medical studies with . . . storytelling. There are not many events in life that can be as simultaneously life-frightening and life-saving as a surgical operation. Yet, in America, tens-of-millions of major surgical procedures are performed annually but few of us pause to consider the magnitude of these figures because we have such inherent confidence in surgeons. And, despite . . . debates about healthcare and the . . . fascination with surgical procedures, most of us have no idea how surgeons came to be because the story of surgery has never been fully told. Now, [this book] . . . reveals the . . . history of surgery's evolution from its earliest roots in Europe through its rise to scientific and social dominance in the United States"--Provided by publisher.

Examines the state of American medicine during the Civil War, describing the medicines and methods used by doctors and nurses to care for wounded soldiers and civilians during the time.

Presents a history of medicine in America over the last 300 years. Profiles individuals in history and intertwines medical developments with the economic, political, and social issues facing the U.S. Subjects range from small pox and railroad medicine, to gene therapy and robotic surgeries.

A biography of James A. Garfield, his rise from humble beginnings to become the twentieth President of the United States, only to be assassinated four months later; and describes how his death could have been avoided by more competent medical care.