In 1901 Emil von Behring received the first Nobel Prize in med. for serum therapy against diphtheria, a disease that killed thousands of infants annually. Diphtheria serum was the first major cure of the bacteriological era and its develop. generated procedures for testing, standardizing, and regulating drugs. Emphasizes Behring's contrib. to the study of infectious disease, the formation of modern immunology, and research on remedies and vaccines against microbial infections. Explores his relations to the rival bacteriological schools of Robert Koch and Louis Pasteur, the emergent German pharmaceutical industry, and the institutionalization of experimental therapeutic research. Also contains translations of 13 key articles by Behring and his assoc.

We are swamped with information and each day seems to bring new discoveries that must be considered. Never before in the history of science have so many scientists been as active as today. It has become a major problem for the expert just to keep up with the literature in his or her own field of research. Why, then, should experts and their poor students worry about the pioneers of microbiology, those half-forgotten scientists who a century ago devoted their lives to a new science that was on its way to revolutionizing medicine? With so many new facts and problems screaming for our attention, it is easy to lose sight of the long road that we have travelled in order to get to the point where we are now. Tracing the path of those who have gone before us will help us to see our own scientific goals and efforts in a more revealing perspective. The great figures who are at the center of interest in this book — Robert Koch, Emil von Behring, Paul Ehrlich and Elie Metchnikoff — were far from uncontroversial during their lifetimes. It is interesting to see how they were judged by their peers at the Karolinska Institutet when they were considered for the Nobel Prize. Pioneers of Microbiology and the Nobel Prize has been written in such a way that it can be enjoyed even without an extensive knowledge of microbiology and medicine. In fact, a considerable part of the book portrays the state of medicine during the middle of the 19th century, when bacteriology can be said to have made its debut on the medical scene. Contents:The Sites of DiseasesCellular PathologyThe New PhysiologyBankruptcy and a Gleam of HopeContagion Versus MiasmaThe Birth of MicrobiologyBacteriology and the Nemesis of SurgeryRobert KochEmil von BehringPaul EhrlichElie MetchnikoffNobel Prizes and Nobel Committees (1901, 1905 and 1908)In Defence of the Nobel Prize Readership: Microbiologists; medical researchers, undergraduates and graduate students in microbiology and the life sciences; general readers. Keywords:Microbiology;Medical History;Nobel Prize;Robert Koch;Emil von Behring;Paul Ehrlich;Elie MetchnikoffReviews:“… The four main sections of the book are each a gem of a portrait in the miniature. The treatment is balanced; not only human greatness but failings are presented, making the descriptions very human and informative … Ulf Lagerkvist provides interesting data and observations about the nominations and the studies conducted by various members of the Committee on the candidates.”István Hargittai Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Hungary “Lagerkvist has written an extremely informative and simple description of four giants in the field of microbiology. His easy-going style and a focus on the straightforward elements of the lives of the Nobelists make for a voyage of entertainment and education.”Sidney Altman Yale University, USA “It is an informative review of the notable achievements of four great figures in medicine whose researches have virtually been eclipsed by the rapid advances of the 20th century.”Paul Berg Stanford University Medical Center, USA “This timely book reminds us of the achievements and careers of the equally great scientific pioneers of a hundred years ago, who discovered most of the agents that cause major human diseases, and also revealed our main defence against infectious agents, the antibodies … The author provides fascinating insights into the deliberations which resulted in well deserved awards for several scientific pioneers. This is an insiders' view of the strategy for choosing the right candidates for Nobel prizes.”Tomas Lindahl Cancer Research UK London Research Institute “Just over 100 years ago, the first Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded. This book is an authoritative and entertaining account of four of the early winners. The life and work of Robert Koch, Emil von Behring, Paul Ehrlich and Elie Metchnikoff are closely examined in the light of contemporary scientific knowledge and ignorance. Politics appear to have had as much to do with their final acceptance as Nobel Prize winners as did their outstanding scientific achievements. Many full-page portraits add to the charm of this book. Members of the public wanting to learn more about the birth of microbiology will find this book invaluable. Trainee as well as experienced microbiologists and immunologists will also find much of interest. There should be a copy in the often neglected history section of all good microbiologists libraries.”Microbiology Today “The book supplies superior details about the research and the social climate leading to the discoveries and provides good insight into the intellect and personalities that make extraordinary scientific discoveries. The rationale for awarding Nobel prizes in science is also thoroughly discussed … For anybody interested in the history and process of science.”Choice “The initial chapters beautifully describe the evolution of the ideas that formed the basis not only of medical microbiology but also of physiology and pathology … This book provides a series of portraits in which not only the achievements but additionally the failings are described, and effectively conjures up the academic milieu of the time.”Notes and Records of The Royal Society

The prevalence of allergic diseases has increased dramatically over recent decades, both in terms of the number of sufferers and the number of allergies. This is a trend that has frequently been referred to as 'the epidemic of the 21st century'. As described in ancient texts, allergies have been known for over 2,000 years, but the term 'allergy' was only coined at the beginning of the 20th century when doctors began to understand their pathophysiological basis. This book presents a detailed and varied historical overview of the field of allergology. Beginning with insights on allergy from antiquity to the 20th century and the development of the associated terminology, it compiles historical reflections on the understanding of the most common allergic diseases. Important milestones in the discovery of mechanisms of allergy are described, followed by historical accounts of the detection of allergens such as pollen, dust mites, peanuts and latex, and of environmental influences such as pollution and the relationship between farmers and their environment. Several chapters illustrate the progress made in allergy management to date. Particular highlights of this book are the personal reflections of and interviews with a number of pioneers of allergy, including F. Austen, J. Bienenstock, K. Blaser, A. de Weck, A.W. Frankland, K. Ishizaka, and many more. Concluding with portrayals of allergy societies and collections, as well as being supplemented by two films, this book represents a veritable treasure trove of fascinating and richly illustrated information. Not only researchers, physicians and medical historians, but also students and even non-scientists will find History of Allergy a scientific adventure well worth reading.

Animals and Medicine: The Contribution of Animal Experiments to the Control of Disease offers a detailed, scholarly historical review of the critical role animal experiments have played in advancing medical knowledge. Laboratory animals have been essential to this progress, and the knowledge gained has saved countless lives—both human and animal. Unfortunately, those opposed to using animals in research have often employed doctored evidence to suggest that the practice has impeded medical progress. This volume presents the articles Jack Botting wrote for the Research Defence Society News from 1991 to 1996, papers which provided scientists with the information needed to rebut such claims. Collected, they can now reach a wider readership interested in understanding the part of animal experiments in the history of medicine—from the discovery of key vaccines to the advancement of research on a range of diseases, among them hypertension, kidney failure and cancer.This book is essential reading for anyone curious about the role of animal experimentation in the history of science from the nineteenth century to the present.

This interdisciplinary atlas is the fruit of cooperation among radiologists, orthopedic surgeons, traumatologists, and neurosurgeons. Clinically oriented, it covers all important diseases and injuries of the spine. Numerous illustrations are supplemented by concise descriptions of anatomy and pathophysiology, normal and abnormal MRI appearance, diagnostic pitfalls, and the clinical significance of MRI. The didactic style establishes the fundamentals of spinal anatomy and disease as a basis for understanding diagnostic strategies and surgical management. By combining descriptions of the clinical manifestation of spinal disorders with the corresponding MRI findings, the book develops a meaningful approach to the interpretation of MRI of the spine.

The Immune Response is a unique reference work covering the basic and clinical principles of immunology in a modern and comprehensive fashion. Written in an engaging conversational style, the book conveys the broad scope and fascinating appeal of immunology. The book is beautifully illustrated with superb figures as well as many full color plates. This extraordinary work will be an invaluable resource for lecturers and graduate students in immunology, as well as a vital reference for research scientists and clinicians studying related areas in the life and medical sciences. Current and thorough 30 chapter reference reviewed by luminaries in the field Unique ‘single voice' ensures consistency of definitions and concepts Comprehensive and elegant illustrations bring key concepts to life Provides historical context to allow fuller understanding of key issues Introductory chapters 1-4 serve as an ‘Immunology Primer' before topics are discussed in more detail