Doc or Quack: Science and Anti-Science in Modern Medicine

Doctor or Quack by Sander L. Gilman explores the evolving and often ambiguous relationship between mainstream Western medicine and practices considered quackery. Tracing the development of scientific medicine from the nineteenth century to the present, Gilman examines how medical authority is constructed, challenged, and influenced by social, economic, and political forces. The book addresses the intersections of science, commerce, and cultural beliefs, offering a critical lens on the legitimacy of medical practices throughout history.

Key Features

• Historical scope covering the evolution of Western medicine from the Enlightenment to contemporary practice
• Analysis of medical authority, questioning whether a fixed boundary between science and quackery can exist
• Case studies highlighting key medical issues, including stomach ulcers, eye disease, and acupuncture
• Examination of the influence of pharmaceutical companies on defining scientific legitimacy in medicine
• Discussion of medical specialization and its pros and cons for patient care and scientific practice
• Exploration of social and racial factors in scientific medicine across the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom
• Readable and accessible narrative for both medical professionals and general readers interested in the history, politics, and sociology of medicine

Product Details

• Publisher ‏ : Reaktion Books
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 23, 2025
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1836390157
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1836390152