I skimmed this book for background information, and was impressed that Magner's did not interpret and judge ancient history on a modern science basis, but rather presented and evaluated each scientist as he dealt with the information he had, answering the questions presented to him by the culture in which he lived. Magner also did very well explaining scientific ideas to me -- a somewhat scientifically educated, but non-science major.

This is the best general textbook that I have found. (Ackerknecht's is old and assusmes too much historical and cultural background; Bettmann's is even older, and more fun than accurate; Rhodes' is too British for most students.) Most history of medicine is written for readers learned in history or medicine, and Magner is unusual in addressing the actual student and the curious general reader. Magner has obviously taught a real class, to real students. Unfortunately, the publisher is apparently accustomed to sticking it to medical students, who may bear crippling loans, but can expect to make decent money some day. For liberal-arts students, the price is cruel. Why not an affordable paperback, which would be very widely adopted?

I took Professor Magner's course at Purdue University and truly enjoyed her style. She speaks to the student as an equal participant, and it shows in her text as well. I have now finished medical school, but still refer to this undergraduate text as both a resource and enjoyable reading material.