MEDICAL SCIENCE

The writings of Hippocrates appear as the first recorded knowledge of medicine in antiquity. With the exception of Galen in the second century CE, almost nothing new appeared until the Renaissance in Europe. The narrator, Edwin Newman, provides continuity to the numerous ultra-short biographies of the great medical names of the past. His pleasant, sandy voice performs nonfiction without exaggeration. The drama comes from “character” narrators who speak the quotes taken from the writings of the famous physicians mentioned in the narrative. The high points for lovers of history come from stories like the invention of the stethoscope and Harvey’s discovery of the circulation of the blood. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 06/ JAN 07]