Lawrence Altman has authored the only complete history of the controversial and understudied practice of self-experimentation. In telling the stories of pioneering researchers, Altman offers a history of many of the most important medical advancements in recent years as well as centuries past—from anesthesia to yellow fever to heart disease. With a new preface, he brings readers up to date and continues his discussion of the ethics and controversy that continue to surround a practice that benefits millions but is understood by few.
Who Goes First? The Story of Self-Experimentation in Medicine
About the Book
Table of Contents
PREFACE to the Paperback Edition
FOREWORD by Lewis Thomas, M.D.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
PROLOGUE
Chapter One: AN OVERVIEW
Chapter Two: DON'T TOUCH THE HEART
Chapter Three: THE PERILOUS ROUTE TO PAINLESS SURGERY
Chapter Four: THE CASE OF THE QUEASY CHEMISTS
Chapter Five: THE PASTEURIAN CLUB
Chapter Six: THE MYTH OF WALTER REED
Chapter Seven: TAMING THE GREATEST KILLERS
Chapter Eight: TOXIC SHOCKS
Chapter Nine: FUNGI-INFECTING AND HALLUCINATING
Chapter Ten: LIFETIMES OF SELF-EXPERIMENTING
Chapter Eleven: DIETARY DEPRIVATIONS
Chapter Twelve: THE RED CELL RIDDLE
Chapter Thirteen: BLACK AND BLUE AT THE FLICK OF A FEATHER
Chapter Fourteen: CANCER: CAN YOU GIVE IT TO YOURSELF?
Chapter Fifteen: CHOOSING THE RIGHT ANIMAL
NOTES
INDEX