World Scientific Publishing Company World Scientific - That High Design of Purest Gold Book

Explore the evolution of medicine and the global businesses behind it in "That High Design of Purest Gold: A Critical History of the Pharmaceutical Industry, 1880-2020." This book provides a comprehensive look at the 140 years of history since the modern pharmaceutical industry began. Written for a general audience, it uses a lively and accessible narrative style to explain how medicines are discovered and sold. Readers will find fascinating case studies that bring history to life, such as the story of how rat poison led to the development of warfarin, and how a cardiovascular treatment was eventually transformed into Viagra. Beyond scientific breakthroughs, the text examines corporate behavior from a non-partisan perspective, looking at both the successes and the less noble aspects of the industry. It concludes with a forward-looking agenda for reform, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in business history, medicine, or the economic forces that shape modern healthcare.