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Quackery: A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything
Quackery A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything
Author: Lydia Kang, Nate Pedersen
What won't we try in our quest for perfect health, beauty, and the fountain of youth? Well, just imagine a time when doctors prescribed morphine for crying infants. When liquefied gold was touted as immortality in a glass. And when strychnine -- yes, that strychnine, the one used in rat poison -- was dosed like Viagra. — Looking back wit...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780761189817
ISBN-10: 0761189815
Publication Date: 10/17/2017
Pages: 342
Rating:
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 3

3.8 stars, based on 3 ratings
Publisher: Workman Publishing Company
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Audio CD
Members Wishing: 16
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review
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hardtack avatar reviewed Quackery: A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything on + 2569 more book reviews
This book describes really interesting remedies throughout history. I can handle the remedies people in earlier times believed in, but it's amazing what people will fall for even in the 20th and 21st centuries. All want an easy road to health and will believe the most fantastic ideas. Whereas, staying healthy means eating well, exercising and avoiding bad habits, like smoking. But that's too much trouble for some. Especially, not when you can simply swallow tapeworm eggs to lose weight.

As an entomologist, I'm still stunned by the idea some athletes believe "giant hornet vomit gives you a competitive edge."
Just google that text in quotes to see what I mean. Of course, I guess it is easier to drink that than to work out.

While an interesting book, I gave it only three stars due to what is mentioned in the book's description... "and not a little dash of dark, knowing humor." It seems the authors believe they are late-night comedians and felt obliged to make funny comments on every page. I'm not talking one or two, but several to many. After a while it got a bit tiresome.

One thing I learned about public speaking is some humor is okay, but don't overdue it or your audience will stop listening to your real message.


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