Description
In military and political history, one event leads to another, says Dormandy, but there is no discernible continuity between the magic potions of the Homeric gods, or even Renaissance surgeons, and the skills of the modern operating theater. Undaunted, the consultant chemical pathologist and retired chemistry professor in London presents a basically chronological record of what has been claimed as effective over the millennia. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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This riveting book takes the reader around the globe and through the centuries to discover how different cultures have sought to combat and treat physical pain. With colorful stories and sometimes frightening anecdotes, Dr. Thomas Dormandy describes a checkered progression of breakthroughs, haphazard experiments, ignorant attitudes, and surprising developments in human efforts to control pain. Attitudes toward pain and its perception have changed, as have the means of pain relief and scientific understanding. Dr. Dormandy offers a thoroughly fascinating, multi-cultural history that culminates with a discussion of today’s successes—and failures—in the struggle against pain. The book’s exploration is fused with accounts of the development of specific methods of pain relief, including the use of alcohol, plants, hypnosis, religious faith, stoic attitudes, local anesthesia, general anesthesia, and modern analgesics. Dr. Dormandy also looks at the most recent advances in pain clinics and palliative care for patients with terminal disease as well as the prospects for loosening pain’s grip in the future.
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