About half of all species under threat of extinction in the world today are plants. The loss of plant biodiversity is disturbing for many reasons, but especially because it is a reflection of the growing disconnect between humans and nature. Plants have been used for millennia in traditional systems of healing and have held a significant place in drug development for Western medicine as well. Despite the recent dominance of synthetic drug production,...

"This fascinating history recounts the discovery of cortisone and pulls the curtain back on the peculiar cast of characters responsible for its advent, including two enigmatic scientists, Edward Kendall and Phillip Hench, who went on to receive the Nobel prize. The book also explores the key role the Mayo Clinic played in fostering cortisone's development, and looks at drugs that owe their heritage to the so-called 'King of Steroids.'"--Back cover....