Poet, philosopher, novelist and former physician, Raymond Tallis is one of the world's foremost scientific philosophers. In this book, he brings together his diverse intellectual interests to address profoundly important questions about our well being. Hippocratic Oaths blends philosophy with public opinion, polemic and personal experience to bridge the disjunction between the health care we believe we are entitled to expect, and the difficult realities of what is possible.

In a series of fiercely stimulating and impassioned arguments, Tallis looks at the truth behind public health scares; why we continue to incorrectly treat our bodies as if they were machines, separate from ourselves; and why the popularity of alternative therapies is bad for doctors and patients alike.

Hippocratic Oaths is the summation of a lifetime's thought and medical practice, by one of the most singular stars in the British scientific firmament. It will, quite simply, change forever the way you think about yourself, and your health.

Raymond Tallis was Professor of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Manchester until 2006. A poet, novelist and philosopher, he was listed by
The Economist in 2009 as one of twenty living polymaths. His most recent books include
The Kingdom of Infinite Space,
Michelangelo's Finger and
Aping Mankind.