The Shape of Things to Come

Overview

A vision of what the future holds for our bodies and the medicine used to treat them

In this humane and important exploration of modern medicine, Druin Burch examines the future of medicine, our changing physicalities and the implications of longer life. From birth to death and through the exploration of topics such as disease, sex, mind, eating and drinking, Burch tracks the future of medicine by looking at what is already possible today. Weaving in insights from literature, art and history, The Shape of Things to Come considers the cultural complexity surrounding medicine as well as its impact on the humanities. As a specialist in geriatric medicine Burch writes with a keen understanding of the medical profession. He outlines the areas of medicine which have seen the greatest improvements and optimistically offers insight into further advancements.

Reviews

"A valuable inoculation against complacency."  —New Scientist on Taking the Medicing

"A brilliant portrait of surgical life before anesthesia, antiseptics, antibiotics and professional regulations."–Literary Review on Digging Up the Dead

Author Biography

Druin Burch specializes in geriatric medicine and practices at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. He is the author of Digging Up the Dead and Taking the Medicine.