The Drug Book: From Arsenic to Xanax, 250 Milestones in the History of Drugs

Description

1988: The abortion pill (Mifepristone, RU-486) is discussed on p. 412 (PDF p. 416).

1999: Plan B (morning after pill) on p. 466 (PDF p. 470).

Throughout history, humans everywhere have searched for remedies to heal our bodies and minds. Covering everything from ancient herbs to cutting-edge chemicals, this book in the hugely popular Milestones series looks at 250 of the most important moments in the development of life-altering, life-saving, and sometimes life-endangering pharmaceuticals. Illustrated entries feature ancient drugs like alcohol, opium, and hemlock; the smallpox and the polio vaccines; homeopathic cures; and controversial medical treatments like ether, amphetamines, and Xanax—while shining a light on the scientists, doctors, and companies who brought them to us.

From Booklist

This book is organized chronologically, beginning with entries on the use of Herbs and Alcohol from the dawn of mankind and ending with a glimpse at the future with a discussion of Female Viagra and Gene therapy. Entries consist of a few paragraphs on one page, with a photo or illustration on the facing page. Handy see also references appear at the end of each article. There is a brief bibliography for each entry located at the back of the book, and a thorough index leads browsers directly to key people and specific drugs. As with others in the series (The Medical Book, 2012), this is not a comprehensive reference book, but it would make an excellent starting point for student researchers and is very browsable for the general reader. Recommended for most public libraries. --Rebecca Vnuk

Review

" . . . an excellent starting point for student researchers and is very browsable for the general reader. Recommended for most public libraries.” — Booklist

About the Author

Michael C. Gerald, PhD is Professor Emeritus of Pharmacy at the University of Connecticut and has served as Dean of the school. He was previously a professor of pharmacology and Associate Dean at the College of Pharmacy at The Ohio State University and a consultant to the World Health Organization in Geneva. A member of the Board of Directors of the Patient Access Network Foundation, he has authored more than 100 publications and five books, including The Poisonous Pen of Agatha Christie (University of Texas Press) and The Complete Idiots Guide to Prescription Drugs (Alpha). He lives in Storrs Mansfield, CT.