Bizarre Medical Ideas

This book focuses on the individuals who invented specific forms of alternative medicine. Examples are Hahnemann (homeopathy), Still (osteopathy), Schulz (autogenic training). In total, about 40 such personalities are included in the book. They have all led unusual lives, and the book explores their journey towards their inventions. Certain characteristics seem to emerge:          They are all male!          Many originated from Europe          Most of them are white          Many gave their name to the therapy          Many inventions are relatively recent          Many inventors are not doctors          Most inventors claim to have found a panacea          Many adhere to vitalistic ideas          Almost all of the inventors are fully convinced of their invention          Inventions are often based on personal experience          The inventions tend to be implausible even by the standards of their timeThe book explores all these themes and, where appropriate, contrasts them with the corresponding situation in conventional medicine.