Machines in Our Hearts

"This is an important book that provides valuable insight into the origins and growth of one of the world's most successful biomedical industries . . . It includes a wealth of information and will be an indispensable reference for the development and diffusion of pacemakers. Jeffrey knows his subject and has passion for it."—W. Bruce Fye, Journal of the American Medical Association

"This interesting book on the history and development of pacemakers and defibrillators is recommended for electrophysiologists and cardiologists as well as for patients who have these devices."—John F. MoranMD, Doody's Book Review Service

"The historian's role in analyzing the many social and cultural factors that impinge on medical treatment, and its cost, is crucial to all of us, and this book provides much stimulation for further thought."—Audrey B. Davis, American Historical Review

"If you are looking for a well-written and well-produced history of a post-war medical tecnology and its social, political and economic context, Machines in Our Hearts will be a good choice."—Carsten Timmermann, British Journal of the History of Science

"Tells a story of profound significance, one of medical practice and industrial research."—Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences

"The cardiac pacemaker and the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator are among the most important medical innovations of the twentieth century. Machines in Our Hearts tells the fascinating story of this remarkable achievement. This is an original piece of work, building on a significant amount of new information from Jeffrey's interviews with key protagonists as well as careful analysis of primary and secondary source material."—Joel D. Howell, M.D., University of Michigan