Quacks, Rogues and Charlatans of the RCP

Description

The Royal College of Physicians celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2018, and to observe this landmark is publishing this series of ten books. Each of the books focuses on fifty themed elements that have contributed to making the RCP what it is today, together adding up to 500 reflections on 500 years. Some of the people, ideas, objects and manuscripts featured are directly connected to the College, while others have had an influence that can still be felt in its work. This third book in the series is a lively tour of some of the colourful characters and dubious cures that have littered the College's 500-year history, and highlights the role the College has played in regulating the medical profession.

Paul Strathern was born in London in 1940. He studied physics, chemistry and maths at Trinity College, Dublin, before switching to philosophy. He is the author of several novels, including A Season in Abbyssinia, which won a Somerset Maugham prize, and two highly successful series of short introductory books, Philosophers in 90 Minutes and The Big Idea: Scientists Who Changed the World. His most recent books include Mendeleyev's Dream, which was shortlisted for the Aventis Science Book Prize in 2001, Dr. Strangelove's Game: A History of Economic Genius and The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance. Paul Strathern is celebrated for Dr Strangelove: A Brief History of Economic Genius, runner up for the prestigious Aventis Prize, and Mendeleyev's Dream: The Quest for the Elements and other acclaimed works.