Brief: Does Calley Means Get Anything Right?

The book examines the evolution of medicine from a fragmented and unregulated field to a highly organized and influential profession. Starr investigates the rise of medical authority, the development of medical institutions, and the increasing role of government and corporations in healthcare. He analyzes the social, political, and economic factors that have shaped the modern medical system, including the rise of specialization, the growth of health insurance, and the impact of technological advancements. Starr also explores the ethical dilemmas and power dynamics inherent in the doctor-patient relationship. The book provides a comprehensive account of the forces that have transformed medicine into a dominant force in American society.

The book examines the origin, spread, and consequences of the 1918 influenza pandemic. It traces the virus to Haskell County, Kansas, and details how it spread globally through military camps and troop movements during World War I. Barry discusses the scientific efforts to identify the pathogen, the failure to develop an effective vaccine at the time, and the significant social and political factors that exacerbated the pandemic. The book also highlights the long-term impact of the pandemic, including the revolutionary scientific discoveries that followed, such as Oswald Avery's proof that DNA carries genetic information.