The Words of Medicine: Sources, Meanings and Delights

Neither encyclopedia nor dictionary, but rather, a narrative journey through the medical vocabulary from its origins in the writings of classical Greek and Roman physicians to the almost daily coinage of new words today, revealing the revolutionary changes in medicine through the millennia. Practical tips on usage and avoiding common errors make the work more than simply of historical interest. Fortune (biomedicine, U. of Alaska-Anchorage and family medicine, U. of Washington) began his education in classical and modern languages, then studied medicine and has spent most of his professional life as a physician to Native Americans, especially in Alaska. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)