Bizarre Medical Ideas ... and the Strange Men Who Invented Them

This book focuses on the individuals who invented specific forms of alternative medicine. Examples are Hahnemann (homeopathy), Still (osteopathy), Schulz (autogenic training). In total, about 40 such personalities are included in the book. They have all led unusual lives, and the book explores their journey towards their inventions. Certain characteristics seem to emerge:
·         They are all male!

·         Many originated from Europe

·         Most of them are white

·         Many gave their name to the therapy

·         Many inventions are relatively recent

·         Many inventors are not doctors

·         Most inventors claim to have found a panacea

·         Many adhere to vitalistic ideas

·         Almost all of the inventors are fully convinced of their invention

·         Inventions are often based on personal experience

·         The inventions tend to be implausible even by the standards of their time

The book explores all these themes and, where appropriate, contrasts them with the corresponding situation in conventional medicine.

Medical Progress and Its Innovators.- Medical Icons.- Alternative Medicine.- Reasons for the Popularity of Alternative Medicine.- The Humbug Score.- Albert Abrams – Inventor of Radionics.- Frederick Matthias Alexander – Inventor of the Alexander Technique.- Edward Bach – Inventor of the Bach Flower Remedies.- William Hope Fitzgerald – Rediscoverer of Reflexology.- Max Gerson – Inventor of the Gerson Therapy.

Edzard Ernst retired from his University post ten years ago after critically exploring alternative forms of medicine during much of his academic career. As well as informing the public through his academic papers and books, he also runs a popular blog [edzardernst.com], lectures widely and is active on social media (>20000 followers on ‘X’). He is also a regular columnist for DER SPIEGEL, DIE WELT and L'EXPRESS. His ambition is to stimulate critical thinking in and around alternative medicine, a mission that has brought him into conflict with many proponents, including King Charles III, but also much acclaim and several prestigious awards (e.g. Maddox Prize 2015).