The story of the science of healing from medicine man to doctor. Part 1, the conquest of death at birth contains chapters childbirth and civilization; Sairey Gamps and the Midmen; compassion of Peter Chamberlen; a gentlemen with clean hands may carry the disease. Part 2 is the story of anesthesia, in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and Part 3, progress of surgery, contains making an anatomy and the greatest surgeon. Part 4 passing of plague and pestilence, the Black Death; pestilence and personal liberty; pestilence and moralists; medical thread in the moral snarl. The healing art, Part 5, the halt, lame and blind; white and black magic; drug on the market;turning point; toward a better conclusion. The final Part 6 discusses medicine through the ages, civilization and medicine. More than 148 illustrations and plates.