Saturday 1 February 2020

Book Review: A History of the Medicines We Take by Armstrong & Cartwright (Non-Fiction/History/Medicine)

Title: A History of the Medicines We Take
Author: N. Anthony Armstrong & Anthony C. Cartwright
Publisher: Pen & Sword

Publication Date: 22 January 2020
Pages:
352
Format:
eBook - PDF
Genre:
Non-Fiction/History/Medicine
Source:
ARC via NetGalley




A History of the Medicines We Take gives a lively account of the development of medicines from traces of herbs found with the remains of Neanderthal man, to prescriptions written on clay tablets from Mesopotamia in the third millennium BC, to pure drugs extracted from plants in the nineteenth century to the latest biotechnology antibody products. 


A History of the Medicines We Take was an entertaining read in many respects. I certainly learnt a few things along the way, and much of the information was interesting. The book did, however, get bogged down in details and scientific explanation here and there, which is doubtless fascinating for those with a background in the field, but it could be off-putting to a layperson who doesn't understand all the terminology. At times when this occurred, the book did become a little dry. Overall, I enjoyed learning more about the history of medicine, but I would only recommend this book to those who won't be put off by the heavier, science-focused sections. To my mind, this work is more for the interested professional or keen amateur than the everyday general reader.

I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


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