-
Doctors: The History of Scientific Medicine Revealed Through Biography
- Narrated by: Sherwin B. Nuland
- Length: 6 hrs and 10 mins
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy for $14.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Anthropology and the Study of Humanity
- By: Scott M. Lacey, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Scott M. Lacey
- Length: 11 hrs and 55 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What does it mean to be human? Where did we come from? And what unites us in our diversity today? Anthropology and the Study of Humanity is your chance to tackle these big questions as you survey one of the world's most engaging - and human - sciences. Taught by acclaimed professor and field researcher Scott M. Lacy of Fairfield University, these 24 wide-ranging lectures are the ideal guide through the world of anthropology, or the study of humanity across time and space.
-
-
Narration is everything with audio..
- By Carrie Rutan on 09-06-19
By: Scott M. Lacey, and others
-
The Nature of Matter: Understanding the Physical World
- By: David W. Ball, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: David W. Ball
- Length: 12 hrs and 5 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the 24 engaging lectures of The Nature of Matter, no scientific background is needed to appreciate such miracles of everyday life as a bouncing rubber ball or water's astonishing power to dissolve. Moreover, the study of matter has led directly to such inventions as semiconductor circuits for computers, new fabrics for clothes, and powerful adhesives for medicine and industry.
-
-
95% Chemistry, 5% Physics
- By Matt on 09-06-16
By: David W. Ball, and others
-
Cities of the Ancient World
- By: Steven L. Tuck, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Steven L. Tuck
- Length: 11 hrs and 48 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Cities of the Ancient World is your opportunity to survey the breadth of the ancient world through the context of its urban development. Taught by esteemed Professor Steven L. Tuck, of Miami University, these 24 eye-opening lectures not only provide an invaluable look at the design and architecture of ancient cities, they also offer a flesh-and-blood glimpse into the daily lives of ordinary people and the worlds they created.
-
-
Do People Make a City or a City Make the People?
- By Emily on 08-19-15
By: Steven L. Tuck, and others
-
Medical School for Everyone: Emergency Medicine
- By: Roy Benaroch, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Roy Benaroch
- Length: 11 hrs and 49 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Dr. Benaroch's 24 lectures, experience for yourself the high-stakes drama and medical insights of life in an everyday emergency department: the most intense department in any hospital and home to the kind of split-second decision making, troubleshooting, and detective work that can make the difference between a patient's life and death.
-
-
Entertaining, but not great for learning
- By Daverko on 11-08-17
By: Roy Benaroch, and others
-
How We Learn
- By: Monisha Pasupathi, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Monisha Pasupathi
- Length: 11 hrs and 42 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Learning is a lifelong adventure.It starts in your mother's womb, accelerates to high speed in infancy and childhood, and continues through every age. Whether you're actively engaged in mastering a new skill, intuitively discovering an unfamiliar place, or even sleeping-which is fundamental to helping you consolidate and hold on to what you've learned-you are truly born to learn around the clock.But few of us know how we learn, which is the key to learning and studying more effectively.
-
-
Not very useful
- By Nobody's business on 07-24-14
By: Monisha Pasupathi, and others
-
Churchill
- By: The Great Courses, J. Rufus Fears
- Narrated by: J. Rufus Fears
- Length: 6 hrs and 15 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In these 12 inspiring lectures, Professor Fears presents a well-balanced portrait of Churchill that does not whitewash his flaws. Yet he also draws on the most recent historical scholarship and material from Churchill's writings and speeches to make the case that Churchill belongs with Pericles of Athens and Abraham Lincoln as one of the greatest statesmen in the history of democracy.
-
-
Wonderful!
- By BKATX on 12-14-16
By: The Great Courses, and others
-
Anthropology and the Study of Humanity
- By: Scott M. Lacey, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Scott M. Lacey
- Length: 11 hrs and 55 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What does it mean to be human? Where did we come from? And what unites us in our diversity today? Anthropology and the Study of Humanity is your chance to tackle these big questions as you survey one of the world's most engaging - and human - sciences. Taught by acclaimed professor and field researcher Scott M. Lacy of Fairfield University, these 24 wide-ranging lectures are the ideal guide through the world of anthropology, or the study of humanity across time and space.
-
-
Narration is everything with audio..
- By Carrie Rutan on 09-06-19
By: Scott M. Lacey, and others
-
The Nature of Matter: Understanding the Physical World
- By: David W. Ball, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: David W. Ball
- Length: 12 hrs and 5 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the 24 engaging lectures of The Nature of Matter, no scientific background is needed to appreciate such miracles of everyday life as a bouncing rubber ball or water's astonishing power to dissolve. Moreover, the study of matter has led directly to such inventions as semiconductor circuits for computers, new fabrics for clothes, and powerful adhesives for medicine and industry.
-
-
95% Chemistry, 5% Physics
- By Matt on 09-06-16
By: David W. Ball, and others
-
Cities of the Ancient World
- By: Steven L. Tuck, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Steven L. Tuck
- Length: 11 hrs and 48 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Cities of the Ancient World is your opportunity to survey the breadth of the ancient world through the context of its urban development. Taught by esteemed Professor Steven L. Tuck, of Miami University, these 24 eye-opening lectures not only provide an invaluable look at the design and architecture of ancient cities, they also offer a flesh-and-blood glimpse into the daily lives of ordinary people and the worlds they created.
-
-
Do People Make a City or a City Make the People?
- By Emily on 08-19-15
By: Steven L. Tuck, and others
-
Medical School for Everyone: Emergency Medicine
- By: Roy Benaroch, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Roy Benaroch
- Length: 11 hrs and 49 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Dr. Benaroch's 24 lectures, experience for yourself the high-stakes drama and medical insights of life in an everyday emergency department: the most intense department in any hospital and home to the kind of split-second decision making, troubleshooting, and detective work that can make the difference between a patient's life and death.
-
-
Entertaining, but not great for learning
- By Daverko on 11-08-17
By: Roy Benaroch, and others
-
How We Learn
- By: Monisha Pasupathi, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Monisha Pasupathi
- Length: 11 hrs and 42 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Learning is a lifelong adventure.It starts in your mother's womb, accelerates to high speed in infancy and childhood, and continues through every age. Whether you're actively engaged in mastering a new skill, intuitively discovering an unfamiliar place, or even sleeping-which is fundamental to helping you consolidate and hold on to what you've learned-you are truly born to learn around the clock.But few of us know how we learn, which is the key to learning and studying more effectively.
-
-
Not very useful
- By Nobody's business on 07-24-14
By: Monisha Pasupathi, and others
-
Churchill
- By: The Great Courses, J. Rufus Fears
- Narrated by: J. Rufus Fears
- Length: 6 hrs and 15 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In these 12 inspiring lectures, Professor Fears presents a well-balanced portrait of Churchill that does not whitewash his flaws. Yet he also draws on the most recent historical scholarship and material from Churchill's writings and speeches to make the case that Churchill belongs with Pericles of Athens and Abraham Lincoln as one of the greatest statesmen in the history of democracy.
-
-
Wonderful!
- By BKATX on 12-14-16
By: The Great Courses, and others
-
The History of Science: 1700-1900
- By: Frederick Gregory, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Frederick Gregory
- Length: 18 hrs and 17 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The scientific theories that were first discovered and made public in the years 1700-1900 are some of the most pivotal in history. Landmark theories of planetary motion, the workings of nature, and the speed of light were all ideas that took the world by storm. Now you can share in that story of discovery in a series of 36 lectures designed to give you a rock-solid understanding of the great discoveries of Newton, Darwin, Franklin, Pasteur, and so many others.
-
-
6 out of 5 stars :)
- By Mike on 01-16-17
By: Frederick Gregory, and others
-
History's Greatest Voyages of Exploration
- By: Vejas Gabriel Liulevicius, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Vejas Gabriel Liulevicius
- Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Mutiny. Disease. Starvation. Cannibals. From the ancient wayfarers to modern astronauts, world explorers have blazed trails fraught with danger. Yet, as History's Greatest Voyages of Exploration vividly demonstrates, exploration continues to be one of humanity's deepest impulses. Across 24 lectures that unveil the process by which we came to know the far reaches of our planet, you'll witness the awe-inspiring and surprisingly interconnected tale of global exploration.
-
-
List of Lectures
- By Philly Flower on 06-16-17
By: Vejas Gabriel Liulevicius, and others
-
The Secret Life of Words: English Words and Their Origins
- By: Anne Curzan, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Anne Curzan
- Length: 18 hrs and 22 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From new words such as "bling" and "email" to the role of text messaging and other electronic communications, English is changing all around us. Discover the secrets behind the words in our everyday lexicon with this delightful, informative survey of English, from its Germanic origins to the rise of globalization and cyber-communications. Professor Curzan approaches words like an archaeologist, digging below the surface to uncover the story of words, from the humble "she" to such SAT words as "conflagration" and "pedimanous."
-
-
Spoiled by politically correct agenda
- By Slim on 08-31-16
By: Anne Curzan, and others
-
The Medieval World
- By: Dorsey Armstrong, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Dorsey Armstrong
- Length: 18 hrs and 16 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Far from being a time of darkness, the Middle Ages was an essential period in the grand narrative of Western history. But what was it like to actually live in those extraordinary times? Now you can find out.These 36 lectures provide a different perspective on the society and culture of the Middle Ages: one that entrenches you in the daily human experience of living during this underappreciated era.
-
-
very misleading
- By shane on 11-07-17
By: Dorsey Armstrong, and others
-
Financial Literacy: Finding Your Way in the Financial Markets
- By: Connel Fullenkamp, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Connel Fullenkamp
- Length: 11 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With record-breaking highs one minute and economy-rocking lows the next, it can seem as if there's no way to feel truly comfortable in the mysterious world of finance. But there is, and it's more accessible than you might think. Financial Literacy: Finding Your Way in the Financial Markets is an essential primer on this domain, from its functions, strengths, and possibilities to its weaknesses and vulnerabilities
-
-
Excellent Introduction!
- By Sam D on 03-12-15
By: Connel Fullenkamp, and others
-
Law School for Everyone: Constitutional Law
- By: Eric Berger, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Eric Berger
- Length: 6 hrs and 28 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Americans wage many of today’s fiercest policy debates and culture wars over constitutional meaning. It’s because constitutional law is so fundamental to our democracy that law schools across the country teach the subject. It's the area of law that determines what federal and state governments are permitted to do, and what rights you have as an individual citizen of the US. Here, you'll get the same accessible, well-rounded introduction to constitutional law as a typical law student - but with the added benefit of noted constitutional scholar Eric Berger's brilliant insights.
-
-
Read with this Neil Gorsuch!
- By Amazon Customer on 02-03-20
By: Eric Berger, and others
-
The Rise of Communism: From Marx to Lenin
- By: Vejas Gabriel Liulevicius, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Vejas Gabriel Liulevicius
- Length: 5 hrs and 31 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
How did communism become such a pervasive economic and political philosophy? Why did it first take root in early 20th-century Russia? These and other questions are part of a fascinating story whose drama has few equals in terms of sheer scale, scope, or human suffering and belief. These 12 lectures invite you to go inside communism’s journey from a collection of political and economic theories to a revolutionary movement that rocked the world.
-
-
The Rise of a Costly Idea
- By Cheesebodia on 01-18-20
By: Vejas Gabriel Liulevicius, and others
-
Zoology: Understanding the Animal World
- By: Donald E. Moore, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Donald E. Moore III
- Length: 12 hrs and 6 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In these 24 lectures, The Great Courses teams up with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, to take you behind the scenes of the animal world. Dr. Moore has crafted a wonderful introduction to zoology that brings you up close and personal with a breathtaking variety of animal species through the eyes of a trained zoologist.
-
-
America Centric
- By Joe van Rensburg on 04-28-20
By: Donald E. Moore, and others
-
Understanding the Inventions That Changed the World
- By: W. Bernard Carlson, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: W. Bernard Carlson
- Length: 17 hrs and 25 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Now, you can learn the remarkable stories surrounding monumental inventions - and how consequential these inventions were to history. Taught by Professor W. Bernard Carlson of the University of Virginia, who is an expert on the role of innovation in history, these 36 enlightening lectures give you a broad survey of material history, from the ancient pottery wheel to the Internet and social media. Along with recounting the famous inventions you might expect, this course explores a number of surprising innovations, including beer, pagodas, and the operating room.
-
-
Great content but poor editing on the delivery
- By Michael on 12-22-18
By: W. Bernard Carlson, and others
-
Unlocking the Hidden History of DNA
- By: Sam Kean, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Professor Sam Kean
- Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Locked inside the DNA of every species that ever lived are endless stories - about origins, ancestors, fate, and much more. Until recently, these secrets were completely inaccessible. But with the help of new technologies, scientists are now reading the hidden history of DNA, making remarkable discoveries about ourselves and our fellow species. Your gateway to this treasure trove of information is Unlocking the Hidden History of DNA, 12 informative and accessible lectures delivered by New York Times best-selling author Sam Kean.
-
-
Great course
- By MyGrnEyesF on 04-29-21
By: Sam Kean, and others
-
World War II: Up Close and Personal
- By: Keith Huxen, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Professor Keith Huxen
- Length: 11 hrs and 28 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From the icy front lines of Soviet Russia to the bombing campaigns against Britain to the American submarines lurking beneath the choppy waters of the Pacific, step into the shoes of remarkable everyday men and women in World War II: Up Close and Personal. Your lecturer is Dr. Keith Huxen, a historian and project director at The Henry M. Jackson Foundation, which supports the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
-
-
Fascinating, Captivating, Heartbreaking
- By BookAddict12 on 12-02-21
By: Keith Huxen, and others
-
What Science Knows About Cancer
- By: David Sadava, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: David Sadava
- Length: 12 hrs and 27 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The landscape of cancer treatment and prevention is a vastly different place than it was even a decade ago. Thanks to a relatively new focus on molecular medicine, researchers are gaining a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved in the disease, poising them on the brink of huge breakthroughs. What Science Knows About Cancer reports from the front lines of the war on cancer with a clear and scientifically precise - yet thoroughly accessible - guide to how the disease develops, thrives, and can potentially be conquered.
-
-
Good info clearly meant for video consumption
- By Error9312 on 08-02-21
By: David Sadava, and others
Publisher's Summary
Discover medical science's extraordinary journey from a time when even the slightest cut held the threat of infection and death to today's era of routine organ transplants and daily headlines about the mysteries of DNA and the human genome. What major discoveries made this transition possible? Who were the fascinating individuals responsible for those discoveries, and what qualities prepared each of them for their unique roles in medical history?
These 12 compelling lectures draw on the lives of medicine's greatest contributors to tell the human story behind the development of Western scientific medicine. Professor Nuland reveals the human side of science - a story about strivings, disappointments, triumphs of human genius, and even greed.
This course is a must-have for anyone interested in the fascinating story of medicine's evolution-and the brilliant men and women who made this journey possible. Topics include the rise of universities and how they influenced medical education; the appearance of scientific method and what we call "inductive reasoning"; the influence of individual personality on achievement along with the accompanying influence of national character and culture; the role of the church; and the part played by each discoverer's psychological makeup.
Please note: This course contains some discussion about certain historical medical practices and experiments that, while common in their time, may seem barbaric and unusual to us today. The professor does not necessarily describe them in graphic detail, but due to the subject matter of this course, some descriptions of these practices do arise. This should be noted before selecting this course for a young or sensitive individual.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
More from the same
Narrator
What listeners say about Doctors: The History of Scientific Medicine Revealed Through Biography
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mark E Faith
- 05-22-14
Great Review of Medicine's history
What did you love best about Doctors: The History of Scientific Medicine Revealed Through Biography?
I am a retired Surgeon, and although I took a course on the History of Medicine in medical school, I wanted to review it. The course by Dr Nuland was extraordinary. His course was extremely logical, well organized, and memorable. His delivery was the best of any of the courses I have heard - I appreciate his deliberate, unrushed presentation - allowing time to digest the information. History presented by biography is the best. Thank you Professor Nuland.
15 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kostas
- 07-20-15
Incredible review of medical history
As a physician, I thought this was an amazing review of medical history. The initial lectures were especially superb. Perhaps in a subsequent edition, we can hear about other greats (e.g. William Osler, Robert Koch, etc.). I highly recommend this audio book.
11 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Alan Landes
- 08-21-14
Best Lecturer in the Great Courses
What made the experience of listening to Doctors: The History of Scientific Medicine Revealed Through Biography the most enjoyable?
The way this fellow presents his material is masterful. His voice adds interest--it is as if he is just talking to you instead of lecturing. I have listened to this three times and enjoy it more each time. I have listened to about 10 different Great Courses and they are all pretty good but this fellow is the best I have heard.
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Insomnia
- 09-10-17
Never learned this
Awesome. Am a doctor and was not taught any of this-99% of it anyway. I hope they make a part 2!! It made me appreciate the dedication of those before us and the progress that has been made. I had no idea how Hopkins came about or history of pediatric heart surgery. Well done.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Frank
- 09-07-13
Why we do what we do
If you could sum up Doctors: The History of Scientific Medicine Revealed Through Biography in three words, what would they be?
This is a great book with the history of western medicine and how the things we do now came about . Every physician should listen to this.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kelly Rozas
- 04-11-16
Amazing if you are in the medical field
I absolutely loved this book! I am a veterinary student so the history of medicine and how we got to where we are today is fascinating to me! However it might be slow to other people. The lecturer is amazing and you can tell how much he loves this subject! He is pretty good about keep the technical jargon to a minimum
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Michael
- 04-13-14
Engaging overview of Medical History.
What did you love best about Doctors: The History of Scientific Medicine Revealed Through Biography?
Details some of the major advances in scientific knowledge of health and disease, presented through the stories of some remarkable individuals.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Doctors: The History of Scientific Medicine Revealed Through Biography?
My favourite is Virchow, the diminutive German who was a wonderful scientist and also a social activist.
What about Professor Sherwin B. Nuland’s performance did you like?
The structure and presentation of each lecture was engaging and full of content.
Any additional comments?
Worth a listen for anyone interested in medical history as an example of the remarkable progress of humanity, particularly over the last 200 years.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Carmen Merriam
- 05-23-18
Fascinating
The most interesting history lesson/refresher I've ever read on medicine and I've been in the field for 44 years.
I didn't realize that women were so influential in the early days of medical treatment and research.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jim
- 05-13-16
Disappointing
Mainly s history of surgery with very little on infectious disease or what doctors do to save lives.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- That guy
- 07-17-14
Fun and educational
Where does Doctors: The History of Scientific Medicine Revealed Through Biography rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
I have read a lot but this audiobook stood out with my favorites because of the details given and the well prepared way they were delivered.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Doctors: The History of Scientific Medicine Revealed Through Biography?
I enjoyed hearing about the first medical school and all the firsts of the medical profession.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes i would have liked to if i only had the time
Any additional comments?
Highly recommend this to other listeners
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Chris
- 06-29-15
Well Written, But Too Short
This course is a brief history of western medicine from the Greeks up to the middle of the 20th Century. The topics covered include the Greek theory of the Four Humours, the overturning of ancient anatomical theory and the development of cardiac surgery.
The quality of this lecture course is outstanding, certainly deserving of 5 stars if that was the only factor. The topics are interesting, concentrating a little bit on the history surgery which seems to be the lecturers speciality. Things like the invention of the physical examination, cell theory and pathology are all discussed mainly in reference to the impact on surgery. This doesn't detract from the course at all, but is worth knowing going in.
The problem with this course is that it is far too short. The lecturer moves extremely quickly through history, leaving many inventions and discoveries behind and 12 lectures just doesn't give enough space to cover such an interesting topic in any meaningful way. I hope they do a second version which is 18 hours instead of 6 because it is clear there is a lot more to discuss here.
I definitely recommend giving this course a go, but know that you will be left wanting for more.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Adam
- 02-02-18
Very Interesting, engaging lecturer
Loved it! A really interesting insight into the history of Western medicine. Only complaint was that the lecturer frequently paused abruptly which put me off, for some reason. But otherwise very interesting, very engaging and well presented
1 person found this helpful