Out Cold: A Chilling Descent into the Macabre, Controversial, Lifesaving History of Hypothermia

by Phil Jaekl

“A fascinating look into the strange and sometimes unbelievable history of hypothermic medicine. Jaekl weaves together a story that is part history lesson and part science thriller. This is truly a must-read for any fan of science and science fiction!” —Douglas Talk, MD/MPH, chief medical consultant, SpaceWorks Inc., Human Torpor Project The meaning of the word “hypothermia” has Greek origins and roughly translates to “less heat.” Its symptoms can be deadly—shivering, followed by confusion, irrationality, and even the illusion of feeling hot. But hypothermia has another side—it can be therapeutic. In Out Cold, science writer Phil Jaekl chronicles the underappreciated story of human innovation with cold, from Ancient Egypt, where it was used to treat skin irritations, to eighteenth-century London, where scientists used it in their first explorations of suspended animation. Throughout history, physicians have used cold to innovate life extension, enable distant space missions, and explore consciousness. Hypothermia may still conjure macabre images, like the bodies littering Mt. Everest and disembodied heads in cryo-freezers, but the reality is that modern science has invented numerous new life-saving cooling techniques based on what we’ve learned over the centuries. And Out Cold reveals a surprisingly warm future for this chilling state.

Genres: Nonfiction

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2021

Reviews

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book quite enjoyable with the lens of seeking to understand hypothermia in medical advancement. Of course, with that seems to be the horror Of animal treatment as well as miss use. I don’t think we would be where we are today Without these advancements.

I found this book to be Well written, Scientific fact, with studies and references. As well as approachable to the every day person. Covering a vast majority of scientists and diverse locations.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting concepts but a little difficult to read. I read as a book chosen by the Morbidly Curious bookclub. I learned about some bizarre experiments with animals and humans and how some of those experimental results are utilized today.

[Perla Caballero · Rating 4 out of 5]

December's Morbidly Curious Book Club.
I understand how our body is affected by cold and I will never forget the phrase "taco spine".