David J. Peck?s Or Perish in the Attempt ingeniously combines the remarkable adventures of Lewis and Clark with an examination of the health problems their expedition faced. Formidable problems indeed, but the author patiently, expertly?and humorously?guides us through the medical travails of the famous journey, juxtaposing treatment then against remedy now. The result is a fascinating book that sheds new light not only on Lewis and Clark and the men and one remarkable woman (and her infant) who accompanied them along an eight-thousand-mile wilderness path but also on the practice of medicine in their time and place.

This book provides a distinctly unique literary approach to the account of the Expedition of Lewis & Clark. Dr. David Peck -- an avowed devotee of Lewis & Clark -- takes a new look at the myriad dangers faced by the explorers on a daily basis on their trek into the Western wilderness. What he finds is altogether revealing, instructive, & entertaining. Dr. Peck guides us through the medical travails of the famous journey, juxtaposing treatment then against remedy now. The result is a fascinating book which sheds new light on not only Lewis & Clark & the men they led along an 8,000-mile wilderness path, but the practice of medicine in the world they lived in. Illustrations.