Doctor's Dictionary

A unique exploration of medicine through the lens of culture and literature. In this pithy abecedarium, doctor and poet Iain Bamforth takes a close look at the conflict of values embodied in what we call medicine-never entirely a science and no longer quite the art it used to be. Bamforth brings his wide experience of medicine around the world, from the high-tech American Hospital of Paris to the community health centers of Papua, together with his engaging interest in the stranger manifestations of medical matters in relation to art, literature, and culture such as the mysterious "e;Stendhal's syndrome,"e; which caused 106 tourists in Florence to be hospitalized due to an overload of sublime Renaissance art. This collection of essays offers insightful reflections on the human condition, the nature of illness, and the role of medicine in society. Perfect for readers seeking a broader perspective on health and well-being.