The first book to describe how medicines and other drugs work, in language accessible to those without a scientific background. Most chapters include fascinating background information on how some of our most important drugs were discovered, along with intriguing and often amusing anecdotes about the drugs and people behind their discovery. Each chapter also includes a summary of the key points together with illustrations, photographs or diagrams to summarise the main groups of drugs and how they work in the body. The book covers all the major groups of drugs, with complete listings of all the drugs available in the UK and USA, so that the reader can locate his or her specific drug and read about the actions of the drug in that group. There are also chapters on drugs of abuse and on poisonous substances which afflict mankind. Pills, Potions and Poisons provides a fascinating survey of how chemicals have their effects in the body. It shows how drugs work and explains why it is that taking some medicines for years is far safer than suffering the long-term effects of disease. Here is an entertaining read that should also help to improve your health and quality of life.