The Witch in the Waiting Room: A Physician Investigates Paranormal Phenomena in Medicine [9781560258148]

Telepathy, reincarnation, voodoo, and witchcraft are just a few examples of phenomena now defined as paranormal activity. But just because these marvels lie beyond the reach of current scientific explanation does not mean that future developments will not bring understanding. For instance, some scientists now believe that the mysterious symptoms, such as hallucinations and spasms, of the accused witches in Salem may actually have been reactions to a type of poison. And a hundred years ago, who would have thought that acupuncture could be scientifically explained, let alone covered by most mainstream insurance companies? Citing case studies and analyses from respected medical journals, Dr. Robert Bobrow — an accomplished physician and clinical associate professor at Stony Brook University — investigates numerous instances that do not fit into the normal lexicon of medical diagnoses. He argues that by simply dismissing unexplainable phenomena we may be missing valuable opportunities to advance science. Although The Witch in the Waiting Room provides enough data and research to satisfy the scientific community, Dr. Bobrow's fluid writing style and straightforward analyses will engage the raft of curious lay readers who will be drawn to this book.