Microbe Hunters, Then and Now

Book excerpt: Built upon the foundation of Paul de Kruif's Microbe Hunters, written in 1926, but differing in that the conquest unfolds through essays by today's scientists, this book not only relates the history, but also conveys the excitement felt by the individual researchers themselves. These dramatic stories, describing major accomplishments and future challenges in medical science, serve as a beacon to guide new recruits into the battle for control of microbial diseases and provide personal models for graduate and postdoctoral students currently in biomedical research. "There are some fine ingredients here, and it is good to have them together in a single volume embracing past achievements and current and emerging problems in the control of infectious diseases." Especially enjoyed Thomas Weller's account, complete with pages of laboratory notebook, of his isolation of the agent(s) of varicella and zoster. Bernard Dixon, British Medical Journal. "The authors, all distinguished and well-known scientists, recognize the difficult challenges that lie ahead, but in general hold an optimistic view of the outcome of future research." Microbe Hunters then and now is both interesting and enjoyable to read, a timely sequel to de Kruif's original book and a solid historical document written by the microbe hunters themselves. Abner L. Notkins, Nature Medicine. To order, call: (800) 500-8205 or write: MEDI-ED Press, #5 White Place, Bloomington, IL 61701.