Johanna Shapiro, PhD
This book consists of alphabetized general topics and specific diagnoses, each with accompanying quotations arranged in chronological order. Of greatest interest, in my judgment, are issues that penetrate to the heart of medicine: “Medicine,” “Physician-Patient Relations,” “Medical Practice.” In these sections voices from a multiplicity of perspectives are heard, and the values and conflicts that have characterized medicine through the ages are most clearly elucidated. The book is well researched, with precise citation sources, and an exhaustive index. It is a timely update and expansion of a book published in 1968, Strauss’ Familiar Medical Quotations. One small shortcoming is the lack of biographical information about contributors, especially more obscure individuals who may not be familiar to readers.