• The story of 'alternative' medicine - and why it is so popular
• Explains the distinctions between 'alternative', 'complementary' and 'orthodox' medicine and explores how these distinctions arose
• Uses a wealth of illuminating and entertaining historical examples, from horse-racing English earls to desperate missionaries in 17th century Indonesia, from hypnotism in the British Raj to homeopathy in the American 'Wild West'
• Shows how the medical systems of China, India, and the west - both mainstream and alternative - have influenced each other over the centuries

Readership: All those interested in alternative and complementary medicine and the history of these forms of medicine.

Roberta Bivins, Wellcome Lecturer in the History of Medicine

"It is well written, concise, yet wide-ranging." - British Journal for the History of Science

"This well-written and painstakingly researched book would enhance any history of medicine collection." - Doody's Notes

"[an] elegant and engaging book...Bivins takes us on a fascinating journey from east to west and back again" - Financial Times

"This compact, densely written history effectively demonstrates how alternative medicine has survived and prospered in the 21st century." - The Independent

"A fascinating read... illuminating book" - Nayanah Siva, New Scientist

Introduction: 'Rival systems of medicine'?
1: 'What is this burning?'
2: Health and 'The New Science'
3: 'The Chinese have a great deal of wit'
4: 'With our Western brethren, the case seems to be quite different'
5: Conclusion: Pragmatism, Pluralism and the (Im)Patient-Consumer
Further Reading