Heroes and Scoundrels: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of the Nobel Prize in Medicine (Paperback)

Beware the pronouncements from medical authorities on high…

The good, the bad, and the ugly of the winners of the Nobel Prize in Medicine

are explored in these entertaining biographies of the world’s most highly

recognized scientists. From unapologetic Nazis to dedicated humanitarians who

carried out prize-winning research while being resistance fighters or peace

activists, these engaging true stories reveal the depths of both the human

strength and depravity of the people who forged medical progress in the

twentieth century.

In Heroes & Scoundrels  (Volume 2 in the Boneheads and Brainiacs series),

author and medical historian Moira Dolan, MD, continues her fascinating

exploration of Nobel Prize in Medicine winners, focusing on the years

1951–1975. The book’s many biographies include the delightful discoveries of a

honeybee researcher who persisted through the carpet-bombing of Munich,

in-depth reflections on the nature of consciousness from Nobel neuroscientists,

and even wild, hard-to-believe self-experimentation in the name of medical

progress.

Heroes & Scoundrels also provides readers with an eye-opening “behind the

scenes” look at what one Nobel winner described as “a few odd crooks” in the

Nobel Prize business of the post-War era, including researchers engaged in

medical research dishonesty and fraud, and self-important scientists who

leveraged their notoriety to influence public health affairs. The role of Nobel

Prize winners is revealed in public debates about everything from water

fluoridation to “good genes” and “bad genes.” One laureate wondered, “whether

mad scientists should really be allowed to police themselves” in light of the

lack of informed consent for vaccine research and modified viruses escaping

from labs.

As put by another laureate, the medical "priesthood” is due for some critique,

and Heroes and Scoundrels will get you thinking.