Dr Reisman's "Fantastic Voyage" Through the Human Body

Dr. Jonathan Reisman’s 2021 213-page book, The Unseen Body, tells the story of the human body from the perspective of both a layman before he attended medical school and later as a practicing physician. It offers commentary on the medical profession in general and the practical aspects of being a physician, including his belief that physicians choose their specialties based on the “bodily fluids they find least revolting.”

Although copious in its presentation of “fun medical facts” it is also a unique compendium of observations comparing humans with animals, and relating human physiology with the workings of the natural environment--All done in an entertaining, easy-to-read format.

Fifteen aspects of the human anatomy are discussed, not just organs (Heart, Brain, etc) but also the less often considered bodily fluids (Blood, Urine, etc) and other topics like Fat and the Throat; the former he says should be considered a disease, not the result of human weakness or failure; the latter being the “stupidest design” of human anatomy. As you might surmise, Unseen Body has less to do with clinical medical facts than it does with the emotional practicalities of diagnosing diseases and conditions. The Doctor does this through patient histories, gleaned from a variety of global settings, such as frostbite in Russia, diarrhea in India and altitude sickness in Nepal.

Dr Reisman’s down-to-earth self-assessment of his role as a medical professional sees it in much the same way as a plumber attempting to achieve balance and keep healthy processes flowing in his patients. He gives readers the inside skinny on things we have all wondered about at times. For example, he says “syndrome” is code for the medical profession’s ignorance about why the human body acts in certain ways, and adds that while blood work gets most of the credit for helping diagnose patients, the other bodily fluids like urine and mucus also deserve a lot of the credit. He goes on to say that even though mucus may be a nuisance in our daily lives, it’s a vital part of the body’s protection from disease and is actually the mortar that keeps our cells in place throughout our bodies.

Unseen Body should appeal to layman and medical professionals alike. The author provides many useful and unique insights garnered from significant experience offering medical care around the globe.