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Germ Theory: Medical Pioneers in Infectious Diseases

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Named as Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2012From Hippocrates to Lillian Wald--the stories of scientists whose work changed the way we think about and treat infection.Describes the genesis of the germ theory of disease by a dozen seminal thinkers such as Jenner, Lister, and Ehrlich. Presents the "inside stories" of these pioneers' struggles to have their work accepted, which can inform strategies for tackling current crises in infectious diseases and motivate and support today's scientists. Relevant to anyone interested in microbiology, infectious disease, or how medical discoveries shape our modern understanding

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2011

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Robert Gaynes

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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Profile Image for Kristie Ennis.
28 reviews3 followers
November 23, 2014
Germ theory: Medical pioneers in infectious diseases. (2011). Washington, DC: ASM Press.

Citation By: Kristie Hofelich Ennis

Type of Resource: Biographical

Call Number: RB153.G39 2011

Content/Scope: Biographies of various healthcare professionals that have contributed to research in infectious disease are presented in this volume. This is intended for an adult audience but is approachable and narrative, which would appeal to upper grades in high school as well. Online activities can be found for educators related to the book.

Accuracy/Authority/Bias: This text is published by the American Society for Microbiology, which is an authority in the field. They have an outreach group that provides lesson planning resources for educators as well. The writer was commissioned because of his expertise in the field of infectious disease. He has published other books on the topic as well.

Relation to Similar Works: Medical students must research a disease in an upper-level course in order to sit for the board certification test, so this would be an excellent resource to supplement online resources. This will be a nice addition to the Biography Section, as there are not many texts that are specific to the medical profession.

Accessibility/Diversity: A broad representation of healthcare professionals from various cultural backgrounds that may interest the diverse population of students is presented in this text.

Cost: $22

Review Citation: Ewald, P. (2013). Human biology and health. (Germ Theory: Medical Pioneers in Infectious Diseases)(Book review) (Vol. 88, p. 151). University of Chicago Press.
Profile Image for Anna Scanlon.
5 reviews6 followers
April 19, 2019
This author is trying hard not to celebrity crush over Pasteur and who can blame him? Reading this book had given me an appreciation for silkworms, intestinal bacteria, and a bunch of old white dudes.
The only downside is now I sort of hate Robert Koch and he features prominently in my dissertation. Still, REALLY glad this book not only exists but that it comes in an electronic form.
Profile Image for Robert.
1 review
September 29, 2014
Gaynes (Emory Univ. School of Medicine) presents a well-researched, inspiring narrative of the most important discoveries in the history of medical science. He weaves the origins of the germ theory of disease and the biographies of those who made significant discoveries together into intriguing, informative stories. The author provides vivid accounts of individuals such as van Leeuwenhoek, Jenner, Pasteur, Fleming, et al. who challenged the prevailing views of the times with their innovation and persistence, and highlights the struggles they encountered in the long processes of discovery. The book's 15 chapters are well written, thorough, and engaging, providing readers with a significant appreciation for the interplay of social, economic, and cultural forces, as well as good luck, which allowed for medical breakthroughs. This is an insightful book that serves as an excellent resource for understanding developments in medical history, how they evolved, and the details of their impact on all people. The volume includes references at the end of each chapter and an easy-to-use index. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through researchers/faculty and physicians; medical students; general readers. -- D. C. Anderson, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences from July 20012 edition of CHOICE Magazine Published by the American Library Association
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