The Story of Medicine: Pain, Pus & Poison

Centuries ago, physical infirmities were thought to be caused by "bad air" or humors, and treatment was guided by ignorance, superstition, or outright quackery. Even an eminent figure such as George Washington was poked, prodded, and bled on his deathbed, ultimately dying of what was likely a simple infection. In the early 19th century, the story of medicine began to change as a result of "greed, luck, and genius." Hosted by Dr. Michael Mosley, this BBC documentary series describes a two-century long effort to open "nature's medicine cabinet." A primary focus was directed toward the relief of pain, both from the progression of a disease and during surgery. The role of opium (the "joy plant") was known all the way back to the time of the ancient Sumerians; through sometimes dangerous self-experimentation, doctors were able to extract morphine from the poppy, which was highly addictive, but also effective in controlling pain. Progress, of course, often brought unintended consequences, such as when Bayer pharmaceuticals not only developed aspirin, but also promoted the healthful use of heroin. Along the way, The Story of Medicine serves up some little known facts (such as the origin of the phrase "slipping a mickey," which was tied to a scheming bar owner named Mickey, who spiked customers' drinks in order to rob them). Other topics include the development of the "truth drug," Dr. Ehrlich's "magic bullet" to treat the scourge of syphilis, poison gas warfare in World War I, and the discovery of penicillin (the world's greatest life-saving drug) and rush to mass produce it in time to save Allied soldiers during the coming D-Day invasion. The documentary also notes that poisons, if used properly, can cure as well as kill. Even as medicine made advances, governments were usually slow to understand the importance of regulation, but that has changed in recent decades. Likely to appeal to both medical history buffs and students of science, this is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)