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Book Review of Just What the Doctor Ordered: The History of American Medicine (People's History Series)

Just What the Doctor Ordered: The History of American Medicine (People's History Series)
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From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8. This well-written volume chronicles the history of American medicine, from the early use of plants and herbs to current practices such as laser surgery. Beginning with a description of Indian ceremonies and remedies, the book addresses practices such as blood-letting and hydrotherapy, and remedies like Lydia Pinkham's Vegetable Tonic for Female Problems. The well-organized and concise text effectively explains medical developments in a historical context, often incorporating quotes from primary sources. Young readers will see, for example, what effect disease played in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars and how Upton Sinclair's The Jungle spurred Congress to pass the Federal Food and Drugs Act. The black-and-white photos and reproductions complement the text and show such interesting things as turn-of-the-century dentist offices and early treatment of headaches with electricity. A lively introduction to the days before aspirin and cough syrup.?Christine A. Moesch, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, NY
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.