Mavericks, Miracles, and Medicine: The Pioneers Who Risked Their Lives to Bring Medicine into the Modern Age

by Julie M. Fenster

Mavericks, Miracles, and Medicine brings to life stories of the pioneering geniuses, eccentrics, and freethinkers who moved beyond the conventions of their day at great personal risk—and often with tragic results—to push forward the boundaries of modern medicine. From Werner Forssmann, who was so confident in his theory that doctors could insert a catheter into humans’ hearts for diagnostic purposes that he inserted one into his own heart, while watching on a live X ray (and was basically thrown out of the profession, only to be awarded the Nobel Prize just before his death many years later), to Anton Von Leewenhoek, a draper and part-time janitor who discovered the existence of protozoa, bacteria, sperm, and blood cells; from Wilhelm Roentgen, who developed the X-ray machine in his basement with a single cathode ray and some cardboard, to Jean-Baptiste Denis who gave the first-known blood transfusion (with sheep’s blood) and was later charged with murder (on manufactured evidence), Mavericks, Miracles, and Medicine is populated with the heretics and visionaries who forever changed medical science. This fully illustrated publication is the companion volume to The History Channel mini-series of the same name.

Genres: Science, Medicine, Nonfiction, Medical

320 pages, Hardcover

First published July 24, 2003

Reviews

[Lorri · Rating 5 out of 5]

While it took me awhile to finish this book, it wasn’t because I didn’t enjoy it. I liked how each chapter was a well-told story of a medical or scientific breakthrough. It was easy to read a chapter and come back to the book again when I had time. I’ve read other books that discussed the breakthroughs at greater length but enjoyed these shorter summaries. It captured why the researchers were the perfect person in the best place to make the breakthrough as well as any false starts by others.

[Deborah LaRoche · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book fascinating...I found I could read a chapter here or there when I was stuck in a waiting room or other spot with nothing to do. I will say that I bet the History Channel documentary was probably better than the narrative, only b/c so much of the stories would have made more sense to me (a non-medical-type) with visual aids.

[Eleanor Latimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting read about medical innovators who pushed the walls of medicine, uncovering facts about the human body that lead to greater understanding of the various bodily components, new treatments and medicines.
The author included background on each pioneer, making them more human and helping me understand their drive and perseverance. The book is organized into categories: Understanding the Body, Germ Theory, Magic Bullets, The Minds and Toward Better Surgery. These categories are then organized by time enabling the reader to see the progression of new medical knowledge and subsequent treatments.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems that no good deed goes unpunished when it comes to advances in medicine. Historically, this field is notorious for fighting people who challenge the wisdom of the present-day. In spite of this, there have continued to be unsung heroes throughout history who have persevered in creating lifesaving technologies, new treatments, etc. at great personal risk. Learning more about their stories gave me a greater appreciation for where modern medicine is today and the many innovations we take for granted.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is a 3.5 for me. The subject matter wasn't super interesting to me but the writing was so good that I enjoyed it very much. Plus, I feel so smart when I know science stuff that my husband doesn't.

[Michael Kerwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting read.
It's amazing to think how short-lived some of the medical advancements we've come to expect as "everyday" are.
Imagine surgery without anaesthetic, a most recent development in the grand scheme of things

[Peter Wolfley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The history of medicine is amazing. We owe so much of our comfortable and healthy lives to the men who are chronicled in this book. It was so interesting to read about the struggles and set-backs these great men and women faced before going on to change the course of medical history and treatment.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of course this genre isn't for everyone, but I loved it. Medicine and history are two of my favorite non-fiction topics. This has them both.

[Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

The stories and theme are compelling but the writing style was pretty lackluster.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book based on a History Channel documentary series about pioneers of medicine. An interesting read, makes me want to see the series, but is a bit dry for my tastes. Not a bad book, though.