Best History of Medicine
In this fascinating account, Mary Roach visits the good deeds of cadavers over the centuries and tells the engrossing story of our bodies when we are no longer with them. “This quirky, funny read offers perspective and insight about life, death and the medical profession.... You can close this book with an appreciation of the miracle that the human body really is.”. - Tara Parker-Pope, Wall Street Journal. “A laugh-out-loud funny book... one of those wonderful books that offers up enlightenment in the guise of entertainment.”. - Michael Little, Washington City Paper.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Wonderfully written, Stiff tells of all the things that happen to dead bodies in the quest to find out more about live bodies."
"Very interesting examination of death and what happens, or should happen, to our 'mortal coil' once we shuffle it off."
"Death is very much a part of life as this book will show you and also give you a good laugh along the way!"
"I liked the different takes on handling the dead."
"Love all her works, fascinating and written so that it is palatable to anyone."
"I bought this book after having been given the Mary Roach book - 'Packing for Mars'."
"An interesting read."
"Gave this as a gift, haven't gotten any complaints."
THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER. A New York Times Notable Book. A Washington Post and Seattle Times Best Book of the Year From the Pulitzer Prize-winning, bestselling author of The Emperor of All Maladies —a magnificent history of the gene and a response to the defining question of the future: What becomes of being human when we learn to “read” and “write” our own genetic information? "This is perhaps the greatest detective story ever told—a millennia-long search, led by a thousand explorers, from Aristotle to Mendel to Francis Collins, for the question marks at the center of every living cell. “Sobering, humbling, and extraordinarily rich reading from a wise and gifted writer who sees how far we have come—but how much farther far we have to go to understand our human nature and destiny.” ( Kirkus, starred review ). "Mukherjee deftly relates the basic scientific facts about the way genes are believed to function, while making clear the aspects of genetics that remain unknown. He offers insight into both the scientific process and the sociology of science... By relating familial information, Mukherjee grounds the abstract in the personal to add power and poignancy to his excellent narrative." Mukherjee punctuates his encyclopedic investigations of collective and individual heritability, and our closing in on the genetic technologies that will transform how we will shape our own genome, with evocative personal anecdotes, deft literary allusions, wonderfully apt metaphors, and an irrepressible intellectual brio.” ( Ben Dickinson, Elle ). The story [of the gene] has been told, piecemeal, in different ways, but never before with the scope and grandeur that Siddhartha Mukherjee brings to his new history… he views his subject panoptically, from a great and clarifying height, yet also intimately.” ( James Gleick, New York Times Book Review ).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The volume benefits from Mukherjee’s elegant literary style, novelist’s eye for character sketches and expansive feel for human history. Mendel was an abbot in a little known town in Central Europe whose pioneering experiments on pea plants provided the first window into the gene and evolution. Eugenics has now acquired a bad reputation, but Galton was a polymath who made important contributions to science by introducing statistics and measurements in the study of genetic differences. Many of the early eugenicists subscribed to the racial theories that were common in those days; many of them were well intended if patronizing, seeking to ‘improve the weak’, but they did not see the ominous slippery slope which they were on. Eugenics was enthusiastically supported in the United States; Mukherjee discusses the infamous Supreme Court case in which Oliver Wendell Holmes sanctioned the forced sterilization of an unfortunate woman named Carrie Buck by proclaiming, “Three generations of imbeciles are enough”. Another misuse of genetics was by Trofim Lysenko who tried to use Lamarck’s theories of acquired characteristics in doomed agricultural campaigns in Stalinist Russia; as an absurd example, he tried to “re educate” wheat using “shock therapy”. Mutations in specific genes (for instance ones causing changes in eye color) allowed them to track the flow of genetic material through several generations. The scientists most important for recognizing this fact were Frederick Griffiths and Oswald Avery and Mukherjee tells their story well; however I would have appreciated a fuller account of Friedrich Miescher who discovered DNA in pus bandages from soldiers. All these events set the stage for the golden age of molecular biology, the deciphering of the structure of DNA by James Watson (to whom the quote in the title is attributed), Francis Crick, Rosalind Franklin and others. Many of these pioneers were inspired by a little book by physicist Erwin Schrodinger which argued that the gene could be understood using precise principles of physics and chemistry; his arguments turned biology into a reductionist science. As a woman in a man’s establishment Franklin was in turn patronized and sidelined, but unlike Watson and Crick she was averse to building models and applying the principles of chemistry to the problem, two traits that were key to the duo’s success. The book then talks about early successes in correlating genes with illness that came with the advent of the human genome and epigenome; genetics has been very useful in finding determinants and drugs for diseases like sickle cell anemia, childhood leukemia, breast cancer and cystic fibrosis. Mukherjee especially has an excellent account of Nancy Wexler, the discoverer of the gene causing Huntington’s disease, whose search for its origins led her to families stricken with the malady in remote parts of Venezuela. The basic verdict is that while there is undoubtedly a genetic component to all these factors, the complex interplay between genes and environment means that it’s very difficult currently to tease apart influences from the two. The last part of the book focuses on some cutting edge research on genetics that’s uncovering both potent tools for precise gene engineering as well as deep insights into human evolution. There are a few minor scientific infelicities: for instance Linus Pauling’s structure of DNA was not really flawed because of a lack of magnesium ions but mainly because it sported a form of the phosphate groups that wouldn’t exist at the marginally alkaline pH of the human body. The book’s treatment of the genetic code leaves out some key exciting moments, such as when a scientific bombshell from biochemist Marshall Nirenberg disrupted a major meeting in the former Soviet Union. Nor is there much exploration of using gene sequences to illuminate the ‘tree of life’ which Darwin tantalizingly pulled the veil back on: in general I would have appreciated a bigger discussion of how DNA connects us to all living creatures. Its sweeping profile of life’s innermost secrets could not help but remind me of a Japanese proverb quoted by physicist Richard Feynman: “To every man is given the key to the gates of heaven."
"There are abundant scientific notions to satisfy any reader picking up the book to understand the real subject matter, but not in the general bland fashion of studies-and-conclusions that tend to lose many a lay people. From the notions of introns and exons to the polygenic nature of most phenotypes, the feedback from environment to gene mutation and the massive role played by non-gene factors in most our traits, the author uncovers a staggering number of interesting findings in a highly understandable manner. As professionals or parents seek to weed out certain deformities, there are genuine risks of us eliminating some important evolutionary traits mainly out of ignorance of how genes really work at this stage but also out of their possible other utilities in long future."
"But when it comes to genetics, surely the most significant (maybe the last) revolution of all, I am basically at a loss, bewildered and dumbfounded. Thus it is both a relief and pleasure to read and study this book to attain the very basic level of understanding of the subject."
"Siddhartha Mukherjee writes about the history of the understanding of the gene with a clear and engaging style."
The history of that transformation involves famine, poverty, filth, lost cures, eugenicist doctrine, individual freedoms versus state might, protests and arrests over vaccine refusal, and much more.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"For example, with a masticating juicer I am researching, I've noticed that critical reviewers hadn't read the proper cleaning instructions of the device, thus the most common complaint is one specific "failing" part. Now I REALLY want the juicer, because I have deduced that even the negative reviews are mostly positive ones, so long as you are able to read instructions and apply what you've learned... which a lot of folks seem to struggle with. The critical reviewers are obviously taking to the comment postings with something to prove, or possibly dont understand literature review/what the book is intended to achieve, or are unconsciously defending their own irreversible parenting choices."
"It is good to hear the 'other side of the story' on vaccines: having had children who reacted badly to childhood immunizations, and seeing the same thing happen with grandchildren, I am understandably nervous over the current push to vaccinate against every possible thing. Anyone who listens to the news and reads current articles on advances in medicine has to be aware that there has been a great deal of 'spin' on this issue . As a critical reader, I not only read those articles but look for source documents and read those sources carefully, too. and realizing that the majority of funding for such research comes from the very pharmaceutical industry which sells these vaccines. As the family genealogist, I read a lot of historical documents and even a cursory examination of lifespan among those people doesnt show that shortened lifespan: I had a great many ancestors in the 1700-1800s who live to nearly-or more than-100 yrs old. Her numerous charts clearly show that the incidence of the original dread diseases which we are dutifully vaccinating for were already in decline-both in contagion and in strength, before vaccines against them were in use. .the usual course of such dread diseases. including the fact that many of these vaccines can actually spread a form of the very disease being vaccinated against and that past vaccination doesnt actually protect you from it. There are some things that are likely worth the risk of vaccination-such as tetanus and your dog's rabies vaccine."
Best Anatomy
For more than 35 years, The Anatomy Coloring Book has been the #1 best-selling human anatomy coloring book! Immediately recognizing the potential of this method, Dr. Elson encouraged Kapit to do a “complete” coloring book on anatomy and offered to collaborate on the project. The first edition of The Anatomy Coloring Book was published in 1977, and its immediate success inspired the development of a completely new field of publishing: educational coloring books. In the early 1990s, Kapit wrote and designed The Geography Coloring Book, now in its second edition. This is his seventh text, having authored It’s Your Body and The Zoology Coloring Book and co-authored The Human Brain Coloring Book and The Microbiology Color. ing Book. Dr. Elson was assistant professor of anatomy at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, participated in the development of the Physician’s Assistant Program, lectured and taught dissection anatomy at the University of California School of Medicine in San Francisco, and taught general anatomy, from protozoons to humans, at City College of San Francisco.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"IMPORTANT: Make sure you READ ALL the information in the section labeled "INTRODUCTION TO COLORING" BEFORE you start coloring your first page. For example, I chose Red, Orange and Yellow for the "Levators"; 2 colors of Blue for the "Zygomaticus Major" and "Zygomaticus Minor"' and 2 shades of Brown for the "Depressors" (page 44). NOTE: I realize this takes extra time planning your colors, but it really makes it easier to memorize when there is a consistant plan in place for what the colors visually symbolize."
"It's a great learning tool for all ages."
"Very informative, and makes things a bit more fun."
"I bought this coloring book for my girlfriend when she started massage school."
"I didn't want to spend a couple $100 on another textbook when I took a summer anatomy class, but thankfully I heard about this textbook from other students and thought $15 is better than hundreds."
"My only critique is that I wish the words and pictures were a little bigger, but overall great educational coloring book."
"The only thing I would say that might be negative is that the older versions had pictures that were larger, but I realize there is so much more information they have put into the book."
"Much more difficult than anticipated...in a good/challenging way."
Best Lasers in Medicine
Edited and written by the acknowledged masters in the field, this edition provides clear, concise step-by-step details on all procedures, along with Advances in NOTES procedures and valuable author commentary. --Improve your understanding of important applications for esophageal, colorectal, and thoracic surgeries; gastric and hepatobiliary procedures; and pancreas and endocrine procedures. ‘This is an excellent text that is both concise and inclusive.’. ‘a valuable asset for the preparation of a variety of cases’. ‘The strength of the text is the stepwise approach to each condition’. ‘This is an excellent text that I would recommend to most senior residents and certainly to all fellows in minimally-invasive surgery’. Weighted Numerical Score: 90 - 4 Stars!
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Beautiful book with the most relevant information about laparoscopic surgery."
"Brilliant book arrived in perfecy condition."
Best Medical Essays
In gripping accounts of true cases, surgeon Atul Gawande explores the power and the limits of medicine, offering an unflinching view from the scalpel's edge. His prose is thoughtful and deeply engaging, shifting from sometimes painful stories of suffering patients (including his own child) to intriguing suggestions for improving medicine with the same care he expresses in the surgical theater.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"As I've mentioned in other reviews, this author is absolutely amazing, so talented, so real, sharing so much of himself and what goes on in the surgeon's world.....rather terrifying, actually, but I would want him to be my surgeon."
"Wonderfully written book."
"The stories and anecdotes reveal the struggles doctors face when trying to give patients clear, definitive answers to oft times mysterious and perplexing health problems."
"This book is about being human — living in human bodies, minds, and spirits — and thus it’s of interest to all of us."
"Dr. Gawande is a gifted writer who can make non-medical people aware of the difficulties his profession faces."
"Love this author-have several of his books now-Checklist Manifesto I've read over and over."
"His ideas have found applications in diverse fields like investing (The checklist manifesto is particularly very popular book among value investor community)."
"I think this book is pretty helpful in motivating you."
Best Medical Transportation
The ACE SAT will assist the critical care transport provider with preparing to challenge the Certified Flight Paramedic (FP-C), Certified Flight Nurse (CFRN) or Certification for Emergency Nurses (CEN) exam(s).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"You should take a course/review and use other textbooks for more preparation but this book will put you in test mode."
"I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for an additional study aid to both the flight and critical care paramedic exam."
"This book is a good study tool that helped me pass my FPC test."
"Not all is applicable if your from Canada, as the equipment, drugs and protocols are different, however the physiology of flight applies everywhere."
"All of the "positive" reviews I've read about this book are true."
"I'm studying, hope it helps."
"From what others told me about this book it was "go to" when studying."
Best Prosthesis
Building on the strengths of Amputations and Prosthetics 2nd Edition , Doctors Bella J.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Required text for PT program."
"Good description and explanation of different aspects of prosthetics and orthotics."
"I really like this book, it is short but not to short and gives you what you need to know."
"O&P students may find the case study approach of the text useful, but it is not as in-depth as texts like Orthotics and Prosthetics in Rehabilitation, 2e which is an excellent text. Practicing ortho-prosthetists will appreciate the section on "Teaching Prosthetic Control" in chapter 7."
"Severely outdated, not worth the money."