This fascinating collection of historical curiosities brings together the strangest cases that baffled doctors from around the world. From 17th-century Holland to Tsarist Russia, from rural Canada to a whaling ship in the Pacific, people did stupid things everywhere, hurt themselves, and doctors had to deal with it all. These stories testify to the ingenuity of surgeons long before the advent of anesthesia. From cow vomit to port wine enemas, we'll also learn about the strange and sometimes hilarious medicines used by doctors of the past.Combining a gripping story with poignant humor, this book will guide you through some of the funniest, weirdest and most surprising corners of medical history, thanks to which modern doctors have the ability and knowledge to treat many diseases.