The main problem of leech therapy related to excessive bleeding following the removal of leeches... Another problematical situation was the inadvertent escape of leeches into the throat or stomach. The period 1800 to 1825 saw the beginnings of scientific exploration and debate, most of the basis for later developments. This learned overview provides fascinating information about beliefs in galvanism and bioelectric machinery, blood-letting, killing cesareans without anesthesia, the influence of weather and the moon, drugs, vaccination, more. Heavily illustrated.

The latest data on the pathogenesis of ulcer disease is presented in this text, with the emphasis that an understanding of the pathogenesis and etiology of ulcer diseases represents the most rational approach to pharmacology - the prevention and treatment of ulcer disease. Early and late biochemical and functional changes, morphologic stages of the injury and healing phases, as well as vascular factors in ulceration are highlighted. In addition, new pathogenetic elements on neuroendocrine and other endogenous modulators and circadian rhythms in ulcerogenesis are covered. The section on new pharmacology consists of several chapters presenting new animal models of gastric, small intestinal and colonic ulcers because in vivo models represent the basis to test and accurately detect new antiulcer drugs. A large series of chapters cover new drugs for ulcer prevention and treatment. This book is indispensible to investigators in basic and applied research, academic and industrial pharmacologists and clinicians in gastroenterology.