Ifyou wantto understandtoday,you have to search yesterday. Pearl S. Buck (1892 1973) I begin this book with a premise: If there is a human endeavor that is richer in tradition, culture, and idiosyncrasies than medicine, I dont know what it is. What you are about to read presents some of these treasures tales of the epic scientific discoveries as well as some behind the scenes medical anecdotes. In the pages that follow, you will find a selection of medicines scientific triumphs, clinical curiosities, insightful aphorisms, inventive m- monics, imaginative myths, and occasional blunders. In short, the book tells what physicians didnt learn in medical school, but probably should have. But the book is not intended solely for physicians. The tales that follow should be enlightening for all involved in medicine, including the diverse panorama of health professionals, and also anyone who has ever been a patient in a doctors office or hospital.