THE GREATEST BENEFIT TO MANKIND, by Roy Porter

pub. W.W.Norton & Co. Inc., New York, London, 1999 (paperback edition)

First published in 1997

Subtitled 'A Medical History of Humanity', this encyclopaedic tome covers a massive amount of material, detailing vast numbers of facts. Yet it is a compelling, fascinating read, revealing the traditions from which modern medical practices have arisen, and how developments and breakthroughs happened. Some significant advances happened by chance, many arose as the result of clinical experiences, and yet others as the result of painstaking research. The evocative but factual descriptions help modern-day practitioners and patients to understand the nature of medical treatment, and to make reasoned choices about what treatment to apply or receive in given circumstances. VG

pub. W.W.Norton & Co. Inc., New York, London, 1999 (paperback edition)

First published in 1997

Subtitled 'A Medical History of Humanity', this encyclopaedic tome covers a massive amount of material, detailing vast numbers of facts. Yet it is a compelling, fascinating read, revealing the traditions from which modern medical practices have arisen, and how developments and breakthroughs happened. Some significant advances happened by chance, many arose as the result of clinical experiences, and yet others as the result of painstaking research. The evocative but factual descriptions help modern-day practitioners and patients to understand the nature of medical treatment, and to make reasoned choices about what treatment to apply or receive in given circumstances. VG

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