Medical Investigation

Readers of this compilation of medical stories will be struck by an overriding concept. When medical "mysteries" arise, methods of investigation clearly mirror those of criminal investigations. The first step is a thorough study of the symptoms and the environment in which these symptoms have arisen, much like the study conducted of a crime scene. Data is collected and is often scientifically studied and tested, in order to glean as much information as possible. Theories are then posited, often more than one, and these must be proved or discarded as further information is collected and additional tests are made. More often than not, however, medical investigators must engage in the type of work which most police detectives find to be the supremely effective - the involved and lengthy process of interviewing everyone either directly or indirectly involved in the case. The process of interviewing often raises additional...