Helen Bynum

The story of tuberculosis is a rich and fascinating one. It is a complex and ancient disease that, after many years of virtual disappearance in the developed world, is now making something of a comeback. Helen Bynum tracks the historical development of the disease, and considers the challenges it presents to the modern world.

The History of Tuberculosis

Spitting Blood

William Bynum

A series of seventy entries provides an unrivaled account of the international evolution of medical knowledge and practice, now in paperback. Sickness and health, birth and death, disease and cure: medicine and our understanding of the workings of our bodies and minds are an inextricable part of how we know who we are. With the science of healing now more vital than ever, as our bodies face new challenges from the globalizationof disease, environmental change, and increased longevity, Great Discoveries in Medicine is a timely guide to medicine’s achievements and its prospects for the future. An international team of distinguished experts provides an unrivaled account of the evolution of medical knowledge and practice, from ancient Egypt, India, and China to today’s latest technology, from bloodletting to keyhole surgery, from the theory of humors to the genetic revolution, from the stethoscope to the development of vaccines. They explain medicine’s turning points and conceptual changes in a refreshingly accessible way and answer some key questions: How has the bubonic plague influenced the course of human history? What effect did the birth control pill have on the lives of women and on society? What challenges does medicine face in our changing world?

From Ayurveda to X-rays, Cancer to Covid

Great Discoveries in Medicine

William F. Bynum

Plants are truly remarkable: even with all our modern technological prowess they still feed, clothe and shelter us, help transport us and can intoxicate and cure us. Helen and William Bynum are expert guides to the rich histories, significance and uses of over 80 key plants in 69 entries, revealing our relationship with them, both utilitarian and aesthetic, and their multiple benefits and cultural associations. Organized thematically, eight sections cover all aspects of our interaction with plants starting with those crops that were fundamental to the development of cultures and civilizations, and those that enliven our diet beyond the basics, such as saffron and chilli peppers. Other sections look at plants that have helped to create our material world, as well as those that are used medicinally or are revered and adored for symbolic reasons, including the tulip, the rose and the lotus. For anyone interested in the natural world and the extraordinary diversity of flora around us, this elegantly illustrated and covetable book, published in association with the Royal Botanic Garden, Kew, will be an inspiration and a delight.

Helen Bynum

Books

Your next favorite book is out there