pharmacology

Contains twenty-three essays that provide varying perspectives on issues related to the pharmaceutical industry, debating the safety and bias of research, the regulation and cost of prescription drugs, and the ethics of marketing practices.

Presents an introduction to the field of forensic pharmacology; and describes the technical analysis of drugs and characteristics of eight major categories of drugs of abuse.

Examines the history of attempts to boost the immune system using plants, patent cures, and other treatments; discusses the discovery and development of modern medicines, as well as the marketing of common drugs; and looks at alternative treatments and the advent of drug-resistant germs.

Chronicles the development of drug-resistant bacteria--due to such factors as the overprescription of antibiotics and the use of antibiotics in food--and the extent of the danger this has caused, and discusses steps that could reverse the trend.

Presents a short study of medicines, herbal remedies, and ancient cures, and discusses how some illnesses and ailments were and are treated.