Human Guinea Pigs: Experimentation on Man

Human Guinea Pigs was published in 1967 and suggests that there are limits to the permissibility of experiments on humans. It highlights how medical investigators often take risks with patients without their knowledge and subject them to mental and physical distress. The author emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and observing safeguards for patients in medical research.

Format: Hardback
Length: 242 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

First published in 1967, Human Guinea Pigs is a comprehensive report by a consultant physician that delves into the profound implications of medical research on the medical profession, as well as the individuals who willingly participate as subjects in these experiments. The author emphasizes the existence of boundaries regarding the permissible conduct of experiments on humans, raising concerns about the risks and potential harm that patients may face, often without their full awareness. The book sheds light on the frequent instances where medical investigators willingly take unnecessary risks with their patients, subjecting them to mental and physical distress and exposing them to potential hazards that have no direct connection to their disease treatment.

The author presents a series of experiments that, in his opinion, raise significant ethical and moral dilemmas. He believes that medical research must continue, but it is essential to establish and uphold safeguards to protect the well-being of patients. These safeguards should encompass transparency, informed consent, and ethical review processes to ensure that the risks and benefits of research are carefully weighed and that patients are fully protected from harm.

Human Guinea Pigs is a valuable resource for students studying medicine, ethics, law, politics, and social work. It provides a comprehensive examination of the ethical implications of medical research and raises important questions that society must grapple with. By exploring the complexities of human experimentation, the book encourages readers to critically evaluate the practices and policies that govern medical research and to advocate for the protection and well-being of research subjects.

Weight: 607g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032442259