This is one of the most important and interesting books on a little researched phenomenon, the placebo. Moerman writes both engagingly and with thorough scholarship - a rare combination.
Placebos are closely related to suggestion and work in truly amazing ways on the body.
Anyone who thinks that placebos are simply 19th century nostrums, little white sugar pills that 'make you feel better' but don't involve today's so-called sophisticated consumer should read this book and marvel at the body's capacity to be deceived, 'cured' and helped along through life by the placebo. Placebos work for the majority of us regardless of age, sex or education.
Moerman shows that placebos work even in the case drugs such given for conditions such as duodenal ulcers. Participants in a trial were led to believe that there was a 2 week delay in the administration of the 'new wonder drug' and only showed signs of improved response after a 2 delay. Later they learned that the new drug had been administered (along with the placebos and controls from the start.
A great book - buy a copy today!