The Zero Patient. Cases of Patients Through Whom Brilliant Doctors Became Famous

The history of medicine remembers the names of all the brilliant doctors and outstanding scientists who pushed the science forward, but almost always forgets about ordinary people who patiently provided their bodies for experimental treatments. After all, behind every medical discovery lies a real encounter between a talented doctor and that very «zero patient» whose case inspired him to a brilliant solution.

In his book, Luc Perino, a French epidemiologist and medical educator, discusses important medical discoveries from the perspective of such patients.

- What is the connection between laughing gas, a carnival barker-con artist, and the invention of anesthesia?

- How did «Typhoid Mary» become the world champion of quarantines in all categories?

- What happened to kind Phineas and how did his story influence the development of mood neurophysiology?

- What does Dr. Broca owe to his patient with the strange name Tan Tan?

You will embark on a fascinating journey spanning several centuries and discover a completely different history of medicine.