The Icepick Surgeon

The Icepick Surgeon explores the darker side of scientific discovery, telling true stories of ambition, misconduct, and crimes committed in the pursuit of knowledge. Science writer Sam Kean takes readers across 2,000 years of history, from ancient Egypt to modern medicine, examining what happens when the desire to make a discovery pushes scientists beyond ethical boundaries.

Why You’ll Love This

• Explores true stories of scientific discoveries gone wrong, from ancient history to the modern era
• Examines ethical failures involving medicine, technology, paleontology, and scientific research
• Connects historical scientific misconduct to ethical questions that still affect science today
• Written by bestselling science author Sam Kean in an engaging, conversational style
• A compelling read for science enthusiasts, history buffs, and fans of true crime

Discover the fascinating—and sometimes disturbing—human stories behind scientific progress and consider what happens when the pursuit of knowledge comes at too high a cost.