Tuberculosis

The human story behind the discovery of the cure for tuberculosis, this book tells of the scientists who risked their lives against the disease. Their story, from the deadly secrets of the disease itself to the tragedies and triumphs which marked their progress, is told here for the first time.

---

Tuberculosis is the greatest killer of all time. In this century and the previous one, it was responsible for the deaths of a thousand million human beings. Half way through the 20th century, people did not believe that a cure would ever be possible, but a few scientists throughout the world each played a part in finding that cure. The discovery changed history, yet that story has never been told. Dr Frank Ryan has gathered together the intimate details of the story of the cure, travelling world-wide and interviewing surviving scientists such as H. Corwin Hinshaw, Albert Schatz, Karl Rosdahl, Ake Hanngrenn, John Crofton and Rollin Hotchkiss. His research also led him to discover the forgotten and previously unpublished diaries of Gerhard Domagk. From the deadly secrets of the disease itself to the tragedies and triumphs that marked their progress, this book tells of the few people who risked their lives against tuberculosis. The last section of the book goes on to tell of the new outbreak of tuberculosis, linked with the AIDS epidemic, that now threatens the world again. "Tuberculosis: The Greatest Story Never Told" is intended for general readers, doctors and scientists alike.