If you are like reading books about history of medicine, then this book is for you. The authors, a physician and a journalist, describe medical practices that could be considered dangerous in modern days. However, back then----these were the available practices and the resources. Patients did not have many choices for alternative approaches and, as the result, most of them did not get any better. Or if they did get better, that was a temporary status that would lead to the worsening their health followed by death.

I think this book works well to remind us what not to do, for example, almost anything that our ancestors did when it came to medicine and healing.

While there are plenty of gross out moments in this book, it also provides a solid history on different techniques used in bygone ages for healing of various illnesses and ailments, and the resulting issues that were born from those treatments.

It is frightening to see what we thought was a good idea many years ago and makes me wonder what we will be saying in the future about some of the treatments we use now. Medical science has certainly advanced--thank goodness.

This book made me laugh outright on more than one occasion. I love books that can teach you something, but that also use humour to convey their point. There are some really bad jokes included in this book, but they lightened the mood and left me smiling. I really thought this was fun and would recommend it to anyone looking to know more about the past history of wacky medical treatments. Cringe-worthy at times, but definitely interesting reading material.

This review is based on a complementary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

An interesting book that gives a very quick, general overview of the history of medical treatment, and those willing to exploit people for so-called cures. Divided into sections that focus on poisons, chemical elements, and animals (as well as others) there are plenty of opportunities for gasps and grossouts. This was sort of interesting to read on the heels of Unmentionable by Therese ONeill. Young people who are getting too old for the You Wouldn't Want To. . . series and who enjoy the book How They Croaked by Georgia Bragg would probably like this.

An amusing and gruesome compendium of quack remedies, complete with anecdotes and pictures. Totally engrossing in its grossness. Exhaustive in span and impressive in the amount of research that went into this.

Thank you Netgalley for the e-review copy of this book.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book as an ARC. My, but this was fun! I knew some of the material before reading this work, but some was new, and all was presented in a fun way. Worth a gander!

Fun, clever, informative and historical.... this book is a perfect balance of whit and truth on a intresting but sensitive subject. It would be easy to mock history's medical blunders but the author had a understanding but honest approach. After all, we know a lot more now then they did. Really intesteresting use of stories, people, advertisements, and products gives a very dynamic look at the history of medicines most controversial blunders. Thankfully, though the book I would say is only appropriate for adults the book is also tasteful in keeping the topic more on general medicine vs more controversial topics. Fascinating read and one I would highly recommend!

Cocaine, Beaver Testicles, and the Healing Power of Man Grease

Quackery. by Lydia Kang and Nate Pedersen, is a delightfully gruesome compendium of some of the worst medical techniques and beliefs in human history. Whether it’s the horrors of old surgical techniques or the best ways to eat a Ginger (not eat ginger… I really mean eat ‘a Ginger’) for your optimum health, you’ll find it in this book.

The book is funny, informative, and fascinatingly grotesque. And it’s a wonder the human race survived our doctors!

Learn the surprising history of heroin, a shockingly modern use for strychnine (I had no idea people do that!), and delve into the glory of enemas – did you know they even make good wedding presents?

The book also contains wonderful photos and illustrations that manage to be both nostalgic and slightly horrifying all at once.

A wonderfully dark and informative book!

This was an accidental download, and given that it's something I have no interest in, I do not wish to falsely rate or review it.

After reading his book it is a wonder any of our ancestors lived making way for us to be here. There are strange but true accounts all through this book of the medicines of the "day" so to speak, and the repercussions of using them. There are a few historical names in the book and their stories. Like Abe Lincoln and his bout with taking mercury for headaches. The book goes into to detail of how the medications were mixed, what they supposedly cured, and what they actually would do to the human body over time and more. There are some great pictures and drawings in the book as well. You do not have to be Doctor to read and enjoy this book. it is written is easy to understand word instead of scientific jargon. And there is a good bit of humor as well.

I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com to read and review.

Excellent !

I'm sorry your book would not open in the kindle app that I use. If you get it in the. Mobi format I would be happy to revisit and read and review.