The Ghost Map by Steven Johnson
When I first heard of this non-fiction book, I thought it would be a medical mystery. Thought I'd tag along with the father of epidemiology as he solved the mystery of where, in 1854 London, the Cholera was coming from. I didn't know this book would also address the present day, dig at questions of waste disposal, evolution, creativity and the welfare state. You get that, political commentary, and giggling at bad science, too.
You also get an even-handed account of how Dr. John Snow (not at all like that other Jon Snow) solved the mystery, which was a piece of cake compared to convincing anyone he was right. Sadly for the occupants of London, the towering genius was crap at public presentation and had a hard time dumbing down his results so the proponents of Miasmatism would listen. He'd very clearly show how the well-water was the source and the Public Water Board would say, "well, perhaps the air has affected the water there." I wonder if Dr. Snow also invented the face-palm... In any case, the author clearly shows all the people who helped Snow and why he needed that help.
Who knew shit could be so interesting?
You also get an even-handed account of how Dr. John Snow (not at all like that other Jon Snow) solved the mystery, which was a piece of cake compared to convincing anyone he was right. Sadly for the occupants of London, the towering genius was crap at public presentation and had a hard time dumbing down his results so the proponents of Miasmatism would listen. He'd very clearly show how the well-water was the source and the Public Water Board would say, "well, perhaps the air has affected the water there." I wonder if Dr. Snow also invented the face-palm... In any case, the author clearly shows all the people who helped Snow and why he needed that help.
Who knew shit could be so interesting?