Gaithersburg, MD – October 2025 Academic pediatrician, researcher, and historian Dr. Tonse N. K. Raju announces the expanded second edition of The Importance of Having a Brain: Tales from the History of Medicine. This captivating volume brings together extraordinary narratives of medical triumphs, missteps, and discoveries that have shaped the course of human health and science.
With wit, clarity, and deep scholarship, Dr. Raju traces medicine’s evolution, from early attempts at variolation against smallpox to Robert Koch’s revolutionary work on tuberculosis, from the story of Ignác Semmelweis whose advice to wash hands before conducting deliveries was ignored to widely accepted method of assessing newborn babies at birth using a simple score by Virginia Apgar, from Lavoisier‘s discovery of oxygen that changed understanding of human physiology to Alfred Nobel’s development of dynamite that changed the shape of the world, this book presents these stories not as dry facts, but as lively tales of resilience, creativity, and sometimes serendipity.
Medicine Through Stories
Organized into thematic sections, Mighty Microbes, Parts and Principles, Relief and Remedies, For Babies and Their Moms, Incredible Experiments, Mortals and Martyrs, and more—the book explores how science, culture, and human courage intersected in the pursuit of health and wellness. Readers will encounter unforgettable episodes, from the first description of cerebral palsy by William Little to John Snow’s famous removal of the Broad Street pump handle, from Elizabeth Blackwell’s fight to become the first woman physician in the United States to William Sealy Gosset’s work at the Guinness brewery led to his development of the famous “Student’s t test”.
Accessible, Inspiring, and Educational
Written in engaging, bite-sized chapters, The Importance of Having a Brain is designed for medical students, healthcare professionals, historians, and interested general readers. Rather than delving into ponderous details bogged down by scientific minutiae, the stories are presented as brief, accessible narratives that entertain and inform, offering fresh insights into the complex process through which medical science has evolved alongside human society.
This approach makes the book not only an informative resource but also a highly readable journey through time. Whether it’s learning about the pioneering figures in medicine or the controversial debates that shaped healthcare practices, readers will find themselves inspired by the human stories behind these breakthroughs. By weaving together history with humanity, Dr. Raju emphasizes how scientific progress is deeply intertwined with the culture and social contexts in which it occurs, making the subject matter resonate with a wide range of audiences.
Author’s Perspective
“The history of medicine is not just a story of science, it is our story,” says Dr. Raju. “By learning about past triumphs and mistakes, we can better appreciate the progress of modern medicine and understand the human determination that drives it.”
About the Author
Tonse N. K. Raju, MD, is a physician, researcher, and medical historian with a distinguished career in neonatology and pediatrics. Previously, he served as a professor of pediatrics at the University of Illinois in Chicago and now serves as a scientist at the National Institutes of Health. He has authored more than 200 scientific articles and textbook chapters and published five books of fiction. A member of the American Osler Society, Dr. Raju continues to write and lecture on the history of science and medicine. He and his wife reside in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
Book Information
The Importance of Having a Brain: Tales from the History of Medicine (Expanded Second Edition)
Author: Tonse N. K. Raju, MD
Publisher: Boundless Book Publishers, Texas, TX
Format: Hardcover, Paperback & eBook
Publication Date: XXXXX 2025
ISBN: 978-1-965687-86-4 (Hardcover), 978-1-965687-87-1 (Paperback)
Genre: Medical History, Science, Reference
Availability: Available now through Amazon and major booksellers
Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns or before making decisions related to your health.
