The book follows the professional life of Joseph Lister, Quaker, eminent doctor and surgeon of the Victorian era. Lister diligently, scientifically and systematically worked out how and why wounds became infected. He may not have understood completely the workings of bacteria, but he did work out that there were microbes that infect wounds and if left to fester killed. This book, although explicit wasn't gruesome, just factual about medical practices of the time. It was interesting to understand how medical practice is built on the foundations of previous knowledge. How difficult it was for Lister to get the egotistical surgeons of London to change their minds about antiseptics, cleanliness and good practice - their egos got in the way of accepting the science. Obviously written for the layman, an interesting book with a few 'clunky' nuggets of information.
Despite talking over zoom the book generated a good discussion about history, knowledge, germs and medicine.
Marks out of 10: between 7 - 9 so highly rated
Words used to describe it: harrowing, fascinating, very interesting, not for the faint-hearted.
Next Book
Burnt Sugar by Avni Doshi
Next Meeting
Zoom - Thursday 11th February 2021
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