Subject
Medical fiction Books
Best books
Sinclair Lewis
Arrowsmith
"Arrowsmith" by Sinclair Lewis is a novel published in 1925. It follows Martin Arrowsmith, a scientifically minded young man from small-town Midwest, as he navigates his tumultuous journey through medical school and research to the elite scientific community of New York. Along the way, he faces romantic entanglements, ethical dilemmas, and conflicting ambitions. When a plague outbreak tests his principles, Arrowsmith must choose between rigorous scientific method and saving lives, confronting the tensions between idealism, ambition, and the realities of medical practice.
Arthur Conan Doyle
Round the Red Lamp: Being Facts and Fancies of Medical Life
"Round the Red Lamp: Being Facts and Fancies of Medical Life" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is a collection of stories written during the late 19th century. The work delves into various aspects of medical life, presenting a blend of both factual and fictional narratives that explore the realities and complexities faced by practitioners and their patients. The opening portion introduces us to Dr. James Winter, an old-fashioned country doctor whose approach to medicine contrasts sharply with the modern practices of his younger colleagues. Through humorous anecdotes and character observations, we see Dr. Winter's endearing yet outdated methods, as well as the reverence he holds in his community despite the advancements in medical science that he remains oblivious to. The narrative highlights the tension between traditional and modern medical practices, setting the stage for a series of engaging tales that promise to illuminate the graver sides of life in the medical field, while also portraying the human stories behind the treatments.
George MacDonald
Paul Faber, Surgeon
"Paul Faber, Surgeon" by George MacDonald is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Paul Faber, a surgeon in the quaint town of Glaston, and his complex relationships with the local clergyman, Mr. Bevis, and the curate, Wingfold. The narrative navigates themes of belief, skepticism, and the intersection of spirituality and human experience. The opening of the book introduces us to Mr. Bevis, a genial rector driving to church with his wife and an elderly woman he kindly gives a ride. As they traverse the countryside, they encounter Paul Faber, whose expertise in surgery is juxtaposed with his skepticism regarding religion. A playful yet profound banter ensues between Bevis and Faber, highlighting Faber's disbelief in God as they discuss a new patient, a mysterious woman named Miss Meredith. The dialogue sets the groundwork for exploring Faber's character as both a compassionate healer and a self-proclaimed atheist, while establishing the tension between science and faith that recurs throughout the novel.
Walter White
The fire in the flint
"The Fire in the Flint" by Walter White is a novel published in 1924. It follows Dr. Kenneth Harper, an African American physician and World War I veteran, who returns to his Georgia hometown to open a medical practice. Initially reluctant to engage with racial tensions, Harper is eventually forced to confront the Ku Klux Klan after experiencing violent racism from white residents. Written during the Harlem Renaissance, the novel powerfully illuminates racial oppression in early 20th-century America.
Murray Leinster
Med Ship Man
"Med Ship Man" by Murray Leinster is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story revolves around a medical officer, Calhoun, who is dispatched to the planet Maya, tasked with conducting a health inspection for the Interstellar Medical Service. As he arrives, he discovers that the entire planet appears to be deserted, leading him to unravel a mysterious phenomenon that has caused mass panic and evacuation of its inhabitants. The narrative follows Calhoun as he investigates the sudden disappearance of the population and encounters a man named Arthur Allison, who was involved in a dubious business scheme aimed at acquiring land on Maya. Calhoun learns that the inhabitants fled due to a cattle-induction field causing discomfort and pain, used to control animals on another planet. This technology was misapplied, resulting in the exodus of the people in fear for their lives. As Calhoun and a small group work to disable the cattle fence and restore order, the events reveal themes of ethics in business, the importance of medical intervention, and the devastating consequences of technological misuse. Ultimately, the story concludes with a return to normalcy, highlighting the resilience of humanity in the face of unforeseen challenges.
Alan Edward Nourse
Rx
"Rx" by Alan Edward Nourse is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The book follows the story of two Earth doctors, Sam Jenkins and Wally Stone, as they respond to an emergency call from the journalist Morua II, a planet with a troubled history of refusing medical contracts with Earth. The primary theme revolves around the challenges of providing medical assistance in a foreign and hostile environment, highlighting the complexities of cultural understanding and the nature of healing. The narrative kicks off with a crash-priority call that brings the medical team aboard the General Practice Patrol ship "Lancet" to the chaotic world of Morua II. Upon their arrival, they are immediately faced with the dying "Tenth Son of a Tenth Son," whose illness has baffled the local witch doctors. Faced with potential danger and unrest among the Moruans, Jenkins relies on a blend of modern medicine and cultural theatrics to treat the ailing leader. Through clever improvisation and an understanding of both medical science and the Moruan belief system, Jenkins manages to stabilize the emperor's condition, ultimately forging a medical contract with the Moruans. The ending emphasizes the significance of time and patience in medicine, concluding that healing is often as much about cultural connection as it is about treatment.
Arthur Conan Doyle
The Curse of Eve
"The Curse of Eve" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a short story published in the early 20th century. This poignant work delves into themes of human emotion, personal struggle, and the profundities of life and death, particularly as they relate to childbirth. The story presents an ordinary man, Robert Johnson, who finds his life profoundly disrupted by the impending birth of his first child and the tribulations that come with it. The narrative follows Robert Johnson, a seemingly mundane outfitter, as he grapples with anxiety over his wife's difficult childbirth. His character is initially defined by his routine and mild disposition, but as the story unfolds, we witness his transformation under the weight of fear and uncertainty. Johnson's experiences reveal deep-seated emotions as he seeks the medical help of Doctor Miles, only to confront the unsettling reality of the situation when complications arise. Ultimately, the story explores the stark contrasts between fear and hope, as well as the intimate connection between Johnson and his wife, Lucy, culminating in the joy of new life despite the harrowing journey they've endured. In the end, Johnson emerges as a deeper man, profoundly affected by the night's challenges, hinting at the dual nature of suffering and joy that accompanies human existence.
Richard Rein Smith
Compatible
"Compatible" by Richard R. Smith is a science fiction short story written in the late 1950s. The narrative explores themes of identity, relationships, and the implications of advanced technology in human interactions. The plot revolves around George, a surgeon, and his wife Helen as George grapples with the drastic changes in her personality and well-being, highlighting a peculiar solution to their marital strife. The story unfolds with George expressing his frustrations about Helen's transformation into a morbid hypochondriac, making their life together increasingly unbearable. Despite his love for her, George's desperation drives him to collaborate with an engineer, Lucas, creating a new head for Helen in an attempt to restore her former self. This technologically radical intervention reverts Helen to her vibrant personality, allowing George to reconnect with the woman he married. The story ultimately raises questions about the nature of compatibility in relationships and the ethical boundaries of human enhancement.
Mignon G. (Mignon Good) Eberhart
The patient in Room 18
"The Patient in Room 18" by Mignon G. Eberhart is a mystery novel written in the late 1920s. The story unfolds within the confines of St. Ann's Hospital, where an ominous reputation surrounds a specific patient room known as Room 18, notorious for its dark history of patient deaths. The narrative revolves around the main character, Sarah Keate, a nurse who finds herself embroiled in growing tensions within the hospital, including an unsettling dinner party that presages a series of unsettling events. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to the setting and characters during a dinner party hosted by Corole Letheny, the housekeeper for Dr. Letheny, a prominent physician at the hospital. As the evening unfolds amid heavy conversation about money and ambitions, Sarah and her colleague Maida Day are drawn into a sense of foreboding. Following the dinner, a storm brings a sudden blackout to the hospital, and Sarah discovers the unsettling death of a patient, Mr. Jackson, in Room 18. Complicating the mystery, the radium treatment meant for him has disappeared, raising the alarm that foul play is at hand, and thus sets in motion a chain of events filled with suspicion and intrigue, as the characters grapple with the sinister occurrences and their own intertwined lives.
Jesse F. (Jesse Franklin) Bone
Pandemic
"Pandemic" by Jesse F. Bone is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The narrative revolves around a deadly virus known as Thurston's Disease, which has decimated the human population, leaving behind a world struggling for survival. The story unfolds within a research institute dedicated to finding a cure for the plague, focusing on the challenges faced by medical personnel dealing with the consequences of this widespread epidemic. At the center of the plot are Dr. Walter Kramer and Mary Barton, a recently appointed assistant who has her own motivations for fighting the disease—having lost her family to it. As they work together in the confines of their hazardous laboratory, they uncover the complexities of the virus while forming a deep bond. The story delves into their scientific efforts, the despair surrounding the epidemic, and an unexpected breakthrough linked to smoking that might lead to a treatment. As the narrative progresses, it not only highlights the personal struggles of its characters but also underscores the theme of hope and resilience in the face of a seemingly insurmountable crisis.
Taylor H. Greenfield
The Sword and the Atopen
"The Sword and the Atopen" by Taylor H. Greenfield is a science fiction novel written during the early 20th century. The story explores themes surrounding the use of advanced scientific discoveries in warfare and the dire implications of technology when pitted against human conflict. Set against a backdrop of a world grappling with invasion and existential threats, the narrative reflects on human ingenuity and its potential to alter the course of war. The plot follows the efforts of Dr. Rutledge, a scientist who develops a synthetic protein capable of exploiting the biological vulnerabilities of the enemy forces, a Mongolian army equipped with advanced weaponry. As the conflict escalates and the tide of battle turns against the Allies, Dr. Rutledge devises a strategy to provide the enemy soldiers with food laced with this deadly protein. The outcome hinges on the enemy's unsuspecting acceptance of this artificial nourishment, ultimately leading to their downfall. Through suspenseful developments and intricate scientific concepts, the novel delves into themes of desperation, the ethics of biowarfare, and the thin line between triumph and tragedy.
Anne Walker
A Matter of Proportion
"A Matter of Proportion" by Anne Walker is a science fiction novel written in the late 20th century. The story explores themes of identity, human resilience, and the extraordinary lengths individuals will go to in the face of overwhelming challenges. Set against a backdrop of conflict and advanced technologies, it delves into the psychological and physical struggles of its characters as they navigate a harsh and demanding environment. The narrative follows Clyde Esterbrook and his comrades as they undertake dangerous missions in a war-torn landscape. Using advanced equipment like the inter-cortical encephalograph (ICEG), the story illustrates the intense teamwork and perilous situations the characters encounter. Clyde, who has undergone a groundbreaking brain transplant, brings a unique perspective as he grapples with his past identity while leading risky operations against their enemies. The plot intricately weaves together moments of tension and reflection, as the characters confront not only physical obstacles but also their personal motivations and fears in a quest for survival and meaning in a chaotic world.
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