Rh: The Intimate History of a Disease and Its Conquest

Forty years ago the disease was first defined; today it can be prevented. Its defeat is one of the most rapid and dramatic achievements of twentieth century medicine-and one of its most bitterly competitive. In Rh: The Intimate history of a Disease and Its Conquest, David R. Zinimerman tells the story from behind the scene` : He brings us into the research laboratories, conference rooms, and private conversations that proved to be instrumental in the conquest of Rh disease. He elucidates the scientific discoveries so the reader with no prior knowledge can follow, understand. and enjoy the moment of scientific triumph and the aftermath of personal conflict and defeat that together make up the Rh saga.This is the drama of creativity as it was experienced-and lived-by young research workers making medical progress. Most striking of all has been tile drama of ideas: the way that each individual scientist achieved the understanding that led him to take a great step forward.How important is the bestowing of proper credit to the scientist? The author says. "The commonwealth depends on the accumulation of praiseworthy medical research and if those who perform it do not receive appropriate recognition and praise, the best men of a generation will turn to other endeavors." On the basis of his investigation, the author resolves the hotly contested question of -who deserves credit for the development of the Rh vaccine.Rh was-and is - a good story. It is also the most accurate, the most informative, and most "inside" account of creative scientists at work since The Double Helix.