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El Café Cajal #6
A Scientist in Wonderland: A Memoir of Searching for Truth and Finding Trouble
This is the story of the author's life as a doctor and a scientist. Despite a youthful ambition to become a jazz musician, he studied medicine and eventually became a medical research scientist, taking up appointments in Germany, Austria and finally in England. His reverence for the pursuit of truth through the application of scientific methods, coupled with a growing interest in the history of medicine during the Nazi era, did not always endear him to others. At the time he was appointed to the world's first chair in alternative medicine, this was an area of health care that had rarely been studied systematically, and was almost entirely dominated by outspokenly evangelic promoters and enthusiasts - among them, famously, HRH Prince Charles - many of whom exhibited an overtly hostile, anti-scientific attitude towards the objective study of their favoured therapies. Clashes were inevitable, but the sheer ferocity with which advocates of alternative medicine would operate in order to...
184 pages, ebook
First published January 12, 2015
14 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 30, 2015
The thing that rather puzzled me when I first came across Edzard Ernst's book A Scientist in Wonderland was the remarkable difference between its British and German titles. The British title clearly refers to Ernst's adventures in the sometimes bafflingly twisted world of alternative medicine. But what to make of Nazis, Nadeln und Intrigen (Nazis, Needles and Intrigue) for the German version? The reason is simply that the book comes in what are effectively two distinctly different halves, and each title majors on one of these.
If I can reverse the order, I would not hesitate to give the second half of the book five stars. It describes Ernst's 20 year tenure as Professor of Complementary Medicine at the University of Exeter. This what made Ernst's previous boo, Trick or Treatment, co-authored with Simon Singh, so definitive. What is quite remarkable, in a way, is how much Ernst achieved in this time, as the scales were definitely weighted against him. He describes how, when he first started, practitioners of alternative medicine were horrified that rather than simply looking for ways to justify their practices, he actually intended to put them to a scientific test. In a later chapter, somewhat provocatively titled 'Off with his head' Ernst describes his (indirect) run-ins with Prince Charles and his Foundation for Integrated Health. I knew HRH was very supportive of CAM, but I hadn't realised the effort he has put into trying to get public money spent on it (not to mention his potentially profitable sidelines like the infamous Duchy Herbals Detox Tincture, which features at in the book).
In the end, perhaps the most shocking thing is the way that the university, which had in Ernst's group a superb scientific group with an excellent publishing record, seems to have systematically reneged on financial agreements and even set up a postgraduate 'Pathways in Integrated Health' course, funded by a homeopathic manufacturer, that would be working entirely against the message from the scientific work being done by Ernst's group. Ernst can sometimes come across a little angry in his Twitter communications - after reading this book it's easy to understand why.
The first half of the book is quite interesting - particularly seeing the world through immediately post-Nazi German eyes and following Ernst's unusual progression as a would-be jazz musician to become a medical professor. I was distinctly surprised at some of the revelations about goings on in the Austrian medical school at which he held a professorship. But despite the Nazi enthusiasm for alternative medications, I still don't think that the German title really works. Ernst clearly detests the abominations of Nazi science, but there is no suggestion that this leads to his attitude to alternative medicine, which was commonplace in Germany when he grew up, and which he initially pretty much accepted as normal. It's this opening section that pulls the book down a little: it is, without doubt, an interesting memoir, but hasn't got the bite and real fascination of the second section.
For anyone with an interest in alternative medicine, as an enthusiast or someone who believes that it is scientifically flawed and needs to be exposed, this is an essential book. Ernst's experiences at Exeter set the mark both for what can be done and how the forces of darkness can work through the establishment to oppose scientific investigation. Despite being rather expensive in paperback, all in all this is a highly recommended little book.
If I can reverse the order, I would not hesitate to give the second half of the book five stars. It describes Ernst's 20 year tenure as Professor of Complementary Medicine at the University of Exeter. This what made Ernst's previous boo, Trick or Treatment, co-authored with Simon Singh, so definitive. What is quite remarkable, in a way, is how much Ernst achieved in this time, as the scales were definitely weighted against him. He describes how, when he first started, practitioners of alternative medicine were horrified that rather than simply looking for ways to justify their practices, he actually intended to put them to a scientific test. In a later chapter, somewhat provocatively titled 'Off with his head' Ernst describes his (indirect) run-ins with Prince Charles and his Foundation for Integrated Health. I knew HRH was very supportive of CAM, but I hadn't realised the effort he has put into trying to get public money spent on it (not to mention his potentially profitable sidelines like the infamous Duchy Herbals Detox Tincture, which features at in the book).
In the end, perhaps the most shocking thing is the way that the university, which had in Ernst's group a superb scientific group with an excellent publishing record, seems to have systematically reneged on financial agreements and even set up a postgraduate 'Pathways in Integrated Health' course, funded by a homeopathic manufacturer, that would be working entirely against the message from the scientific work being done by Ernst's group. Ernst can sometimes come across a little angry in his Twitter communications - after reading this book it's easy to understand why.
The first half of the book is quite interesting - particularly seeing the world through immediately post-Nazi German eyes and following Ernst's unusual progression as a would-be jazz musician to become a medical professor. I was distinctly surprised at some of the revelations about goings on in the Austrian medical school at which he held a professorship. But despite the Nazi enthusiasm for alternative medications, I still don't think that the German title really works. Ernst clearly detests the abominations of Nazi science, but there is no suggestion that this leads to his attitude to alternative medicine, which was commonplace in Germany when he grew up, and which he initially pretty much accepted as normal. It's this opening section that pulls the book down a little: it is, without doubt, an interesting memoir, but hasn't got the bite and real fascination of the second section.
For anyone with an interest in alternative medicine, as an enthusiast or someone who believes that it is scientifically flawed and needs to be exposed, this is an essential book. Ernst's experiences at Exeter set the mark both for what can be done and how the forces of darkness can work through the establishment to oppose scientific investigation. Despite being rather expensive in paperback, all in all this is a highly recommended little book.
March 5, 2017
The writing is, at times, a bit difficult. This is likely the result of English not being the writer's first language (Or second or third, potentially). The book chronicles Dr. Ernst's life beginning with his humble origins in Germany and his love of jazz music. It transitions into his medical career and gives ample descriptions of the office politics at the major branches at which he worked, including a major research university in the UK.
The book's trouble is that it doesn't seem to know what it want to be. The title and marketing certainly want it to be an expose of alternative medicine, a topic which Ernst really only began seeking out at his last posting. If this is the book's focal point then nearly the entire first half of it is superfluous. If it wants to be a memoir, why all of the skeptical trappings? Clearly Dr. Ernst wanted to write an autobiography and, I'm guessing, his publisher thought, "Who the hell would want to read an autobiography about someone they've never heard of?" and then dressed the memoir up in the trappings of a skeptical analysis of alternative medicine. It's not a bad read but it is unfocused and if you came for the exposing of alternative medicine, then you will be bored for the first hundred pages.
The book's trouble is that it doesn't seem to know what it want to be. The title and marketing certainly want it to be an expose of alternative medicine, a topic which Ernst really only began seeking out at his last posting. If this is the book's focal point then nearly the entire first half of it is superfluous. If it wants to be a memoir, why all of the skeptical trappings? Clearly Dr. Ernst wanted to write an autobiography and, I'm guessing, his publisher thought, "Who the hell would want to read an autobiography about someone they've never heard of?" and then dressed the memoir up in the trappings of a skeptical analysis of alternative medicine. It's not a bad read but it is unfocused and if you came for the exposing of alternative medicine, then you will be bored for the first hundred pages.
January 12, 2019
Me ha gustado la narración de la biografía del autor, los detalles de cada etapa de su vida y la importancia al pensamiento crítico y el no conformarse que mantuvo siempre. Aunque hay aspectos de la medicina alternativa que ya se trataban hace años, siguen estando "de moda" todo tipo de pseudociencias, las cuales algunas, aún tienen cada vez más adeptos. Por este aspecto, es tan importante la labor de este libro como tantos otros para divulgar la ciencia y el pensamiento crítico, donde la sociedad pueda discernir aquellas terapias que si que han llevado un proceso de investigación y ensayos clínicos de los que no tienen ningún tipo de fundamento. Una gran labor por parte de la editorial por dar a conocer libros tan interesantes.
September 27, 2021
I never read biographies but after seeing Edzard talk at a Cork Skeptics event in 2017 I bought a copy of his memoir. I read some of it but being a paper book it ended up on my bookshelf because I usually read books on my phone these days.
I recently returned to the book and finished it over the last week and it has been an engrossing read.
If you are at all interested in alternative medicine you should read this, and take a look at Edzard's blog.
I recently returned to the book and finished it over the last week and it has been an engrossing read.
If you are at all interested in alternative medicine you should read this, and take a look at Edzard's blog.
August 30, 2016
I really admire Mr Ernst and his pivotal role in ensuring rigorous and unbiased research into alternative medicine. I admire his bravery and dedication to pursuing his goals in the face of criticism and hatred and in standing up to Prince Charles. In that sense I found the book an interesting read. However, I also found it a bit repetitive and moany. Some of the points seemed to be made a number of times and generally Mr Ernst complains a lot!
January 25, 2016
A very interesting authobiographic story, that makes you wonder what impulses humans to be so credulous, to become fascinated by magical cures, to embrace pseudoscience to the point of defending it as if it were a religion...
October 25, 2020
Como ensayo autobiográfico el médico alemán Edzard Ernst relata en este libro su vida profesional desde sus inicios como estudiante de Medicina hasta su jubilación "forzosa" como renombrado científico mundial, especializado en el estudio de las llamadas "medicinas alternativas". A lo largo de su biografía, nos cuenta de una manera muy clara y entretenida como termina dirigiendo un departamento de investigación en una universidad inglesa, y acaba siendo el centro de las iras de toda la comunidad pseudocientífica de homeópatas, curanderos, masajistas y similares, entre ellos uno de sus más aférrimos defensores, el príncipe de Gales, Carlos de Inglaterra.
"Yo conocía mi materia en profundidad, había cursado dos titulaciones superiores, contaba con años d experiencia clínica, cientos de publicaciones e incluso una docena de galardones científicos; pero nada de eso impedía que personas sin ningún tipo de cualificación, conocimientos ni experiencia manifestasen con prepotencia y con malos modales sus opiniones mal informadas sobre la investigación en general y sobre mi trabajo en particular" dice Ernst en uno de sus capítulos.
En realidad, se trata de un breve resumen de lo que es la práctica médica y científica en los tiempos actuales y lo difícil que es realizar esta labor con total independencia sin presiones de la industria o la política.
"Yo conocía mi materia en profundidad, había cursado dos titulaciones superiores, contaba con años d experiencia clínica, cientos de publicaciones e incluso una docena de galardones científicos; pero nada de eso impedía que personas sin ningún tipo de cualificación, conocimientos ni experiencia manifestasen con prepotencia y con malos modales sus opiniones mal informadas sobre la investigación en general y sobre mi trabajo en particular" dice Ernst en uno de sus capítulos.
En realidad, se trata de un breve resumen de lo que es la práctica médica y científica en los tiempos actuales y lo difícil que es realizar esta labor con total independencia sin presiones de la industria o la política.
May 26, 2020
Fantástico libro, a medio camino entre autobiografía y ensayo. Desglosa muy bien las falacias y problemas éticos que plantean las llamadas “terapias alternativas”, y su total resistencia a someterse a la evidencia irrefutable como prueba de su (nula) efectividad.
“No existe la medicina alternativa, sino sencillamente tratamientos que funcionan y tratamientos que no funcionan. Los que funcionan acabarán incorporándose al arsenal estándar de la medicina, mientras que los que no funcionan están condenados a permanecer en el ámbito del curanderismo.”
“Es necesario determinar qué tratamientos producen de forma reproducible más beneficio que perjuicio para los enfermos. Y eso no se llama «medicina integral», se llama medicina basada en evidencias“
“Cuando se hace mal uso de la ciencia, se secuestra o se distorsiona para ponerla al servicio de creencias políticas o ideológicas, es inevitable que los criterios éticos se esfumen. La pseudociencia resultante es un engaño cuyas víctimas son los débiles y los vulnerables. Por nuestro propio bien, y por el de los que vendrán después de nosotros, debemos defender la verdad, da igual los problemas que ello cause.”
“No existe la medicina alternativa, sino sencillamente tratamientos que funcionan y tratamientos que no funcionan. Los que funcionan acabarán incorporándose al arsenal estándar de la medicina, mientras que los que no funcionan están condenados a permanecer en el ámbito del curanderismo.”
“Es necesario determinar qué tratamientos producen de forma reproducible más beneficio que perjuicio para los enfermos. Y eso no se llama «medicina integral», se llama medicina basada en evidencias“
“Cuando se hace mal uso de la ciencia, se secuestra o se distorsiona para ponerla al servicio de creencias políticas o ideológicas, es inevitable que los criterios éticos se esfumen. La pseudociencia resultante es un engaño cuyas víctimas son los débiles y los vulnerables. Por nuestro propio bien, y por el de los que vendrán después de nosotros, debemos defender la verdad, da igual los problemas que ello cause.”
February 4, 2018
This is the best kind of autobiography. It doesn't just say "this happened then this happened and then this happened". It explains how and why things happened and boy did some interesting things happen to Dr. Edzard Ernst. If you are at all interested in medicine you will love this book
June 6, 2020
He didn't really cover the Nazi ties into homeopathy until the epilogue, and it was maybe a bit heavy on information about Prince Charles's fixation, although it reminded me a lot of how Trump has praised likely ineffective and dangerous covid-19 therapies and people have listened to him.
April 13, 2021
Excelente autobiografía de este médico alemán, donde nos relata todos los problemas y presiones que tuvo que soportar por parte de universidades, colegas de profesión y el mundo de la medicina alternativa. Desde sus inicios hasta su jubilación forzosa.
March 5, 2024
An interesting memoir and a useful primer into the dangers of alternative medicine and its unethical advocates.
April 23, 2024
Muito bom
August 24, 2024
3,5
Historia de primera mano de la primera cátedra de medicina alternativa.
https://liblit.com/edzard-ernst-un-ci...
Historia de primera mano de la primera cátedra de medicina alternativa.
https://liblit.com/edzard-ernst-un-ci...
September 8, 2025
a curious medical story
June 1, 2021
Informed reduction of complementary medicines claims. Mind you I’ve enjoyed reflexology and even mildly acupuncture! Not sure it tackled the problem of an ageing knee?
February 17, 2024
Cuando hace unos días se anunció que el rey Carlos III padecía un cáncer, vino a mi mente el recuerdo de la lectura de este libro, que terminé poco antes de que la pandemia del coronavirus obligara a un confinamiento casi global. Durante su larga estancia como príncipe de Gales, el hijo primogénito y heredero de Isabel II había desarrollado un notable interés por las pseudociencias, hasta el punto de convertirse en uno de sus más feroces paladines en el Reino Unido. Esta obra hace referencia a esta faceta de Carlos de Inglaterra, en la cual utilizó su posición como púlpito para la promoción de unas ideas sobre la salud en las que creía y en una atalaya desde la que vigilar a quienes eran críticos con las mismas.
De una forma distendida y amena, el autor cuenta su historia profesional y académica, que le llevó por Alemania, Austria y el ya mentado Reino Unido. En su periplo como médico acabó topándose con las mal llamadas terapias alternativas en general y con la homeopatía en particular, que en aquellos días estaba en su apogeo en Europa. Sus intentos de aproximación científica a aquellas prácticas se saldaron con la conclusión de su naturaleza pseudocientífica, pero ello supuso también la consecuencia de situarle en una posición de enfrentamiento con importantes estamentos del sector y, en último extremo, con el entonces príncipe Carlos.
A través de la historia de las andanzas del señor Ernst podemos constatar, una vez más, lo que puede suceder cuando, aun con pruebas en la mano, se expone una postura diferente de la establecida según el statu quo imperante sobre un determinado asunto en un tiempo y lugar específico. Así, el libro contiene unas enseñanzas recibidas por las malas por don Edzard, de las cuales se pueden sacar valiosas lecciones, porque la historia, aunque no se parezca, tiende a repetirse. Quizá la homeopatía haya entrado en franca decadencia, pero otras prácticas ocupan su lugar y, en todo caso, también debe servir como recordatorio de que la respuesta agresiva de reducción al silencio o la práctica de la burla -recursos éstos demasiado habituales en el campo del pensamiento crítico- no deben ser dignas de consideradas argumentos en un debate que quiera tener la consideración de científico.
De una forma distendida y amena, el autor cuenta su historia profesional y académica, que le llevó por Alemania, Austria y el ya mentado Reino Unido. En su periplo como médico acabó topándose con las mal llamadas terapias alternativas en general y con la homeopatía en particular, que en aquellos días estaba en su apogeo en Europa. Sus intentos de aproximación científica a aquellas prácticas se saldaron con la conclusión de su naturaleza pseudocientífica, pero ello supuso también la consecuencia de situarle en una posición de enfrentamiento con importantes estamentos del sector y, en último extremo, con el entonces príncipe Carlos.
A través de la historia de las andanzas del señor Ernst podemos constatar, una vez más, lo que puede suceder cuando, aun con pruebas en la mano, se expone una postura diferente de la establecida según el statu quo imperante sobre un determinado asunto en un tiempo y lugar específico. Así, el libro contiene unas enseñanzas recibidas por las malas por don Edzard, de las cuales se pueden sacar valiosas lecciones, porque la historia, aunque no se parezca, tiende a repetirse. Quizá la homeopatía haya entrado en franca decadencia, pero otras prácticas ocupan su lugar y, en todo caso, también debe servir como recordatorio de que la respuesta agresiva de reducción al silencio o la práctica de la burla -recursos éstos demasiado habituales en el campo del pensamiento crítico- no deben ser dignas de consideradas argumentos en un debate que quiera tener la consideración de científico.
August 21, 2015
I really enjoyed the book, especially the first half. I've had a strong interest in alternative medicine for many years and have often wondered how you prove or test the efficacy of a treatment and how much is s placebo effect. His findings and problems were not surprising to me but, rather, reinforced the idea of how difficult it is to scientifically test alternative treatments AND change minds, based on results.
The one problem I had with the book was I felt a negative/pessimistic tone throughout the book, especially when describing others, like using terms such as charlatans or snake oil salesmen. It felt like he was complaining at every stage about the people he was working with, the practitioners, the press, and even Prince Charles! I did find it interesting that HRH had such a strong involvement with alternative medicine. I was amused and impressed with the way the author responded.
Overall, this is a great read. I don't necessarily agree with all of the author's scientific conclusions but that's really what part of the book is about- belief vs. scientific evidence!
The one problem I had with the book was I felt a negative/pessimistic tone throughout the book, especially when describing others, like using terms such as charlatans or snake oil salesmen. It felt like he was complaining at every stage about the people he was working with, the practitioners, the press, and even Prince Charles! I did find it interesting that HRH had such a strong involvement with alternative medicine. I was amused and impressed with the way the author responded.
Overall, this is a great read. I don't necessarily agree with all of the author's scientific conclusions but that's really what part of the book is about- belief vs. scientific evidence!
December 31, 2015
Fascinating life history of Edzard Ernst, from amateur jazz musician to physician, to researcher, to professor, to highly ethical researcher of the real efficitiveness and safety of alternative medicine. His ethical commitment to truth brought him in conflict with the establishment in the Universities of Vienna, of Exeter, with the uncritical fans of all things unproven, and with His Higness, the royal snake oil sales man, prince of Wales and his coterie of fawning lackeys in business, politics and the academic world.
June 11, 2023
Ernst’s autobiography demonstrates his skill for writing as well as science. A truly enjoyable read.
In an era of cultural relativism where it is common for people to want to give equal weight to both sides of every argument, Ernst shows that when we take this tack with respect to science journalism, it gives unnecessary credence to pseudoscience.
Ernst is a role model for me and colleagues alike seeking truth for the sake of patient safety.
In an era of cultural relativism where it is common for people to want to give equal weight to both sides of every argument, Ernst shows that when we take this tack with respect to science journalism, it gives unnecessary credence to pseudoscience.
Ernst is a role model for me and colleagues alike seeking truth for the sake of patient safety.
April 6, 2015
Fascinating well-written (if structurally slightly strange) memoir. Medical science meets alternative medicine and the result, while not pretty, is very instructive.
Want to read
February 3, 2015Via Science-Based Medicine
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews