The Royal Society of Medicine has published a wide-ranging book that delves into the vast array of fact (and fiction) in medical science. This is a must-have book for anyone who is interested in medicine; this pocket-sized miscellany contains a wide selection of choice vignettes from the world of medicine.

An Essential Medical Miscellany by Ayan Panja covers everything from the Hepatitis alphabet to why doctors wear white coats to when the first vibrator was invented.

Crammed with historical references, the book doesn't fail to surprise: Julius Caesar, Leonardo Da Vinci and Charles Dickens have had or are thought to have had epilepsy, while Dr John Kellogg was a surgeon who created cornflakes with the intention to lessen sex drive and prevent the urge to masturbate.

"Medicine and health is an integral part of our lives and is a fascinating pre-occupation for many" said Dr Panja.

"The book contains everything from practical tips on how to avoid jet lag, the trigger factors for migraine, the 'how and why' questions on Botox and why we move in our sleep.

"For celebrity watchers, it lists stars with diabetes to those who have been saved by the Heimlich manoeuvre.

"Most importantly, the book contains information that may alter some pre-conceived perceptions about medicine" Dr Panja said.

An Essential Medical Miscellany highlights some interesting facts:

· A mother who breast feeds burns more calories and helps her uterus return to its normal size.
· The medical effects of cannabis include lowering blood pressure and reliving nausea
· Moderate drinkers of any kind of alcohol are 30 per cent more likely than teetotallers to survive a heart attack
· Eating a Mediterranean diet is better for your heart than taking aspirin
· Green tea contains catechin, a chemical that reduces the risk of prostate cancer and heart disease

Also discover:

· What is the capacity of the human bladder?
· How long do drugs last in the urine?
· Which drugs are banned in sport?
· Who was the first test-tube baby?

This book is full of interesting and amusing medical titbits, An Essential Medical Miscellany has been designed as a balanced mixture of quirky entertainment and information, as well as being an occasional aide-memoire for readers involved in healthcare. This book is also ideal for your hypochondriac friends, your bookcase, the bedside table or the window ledge in the loo, and will satisfy anyone who enjoys all things medical.

Dr Ayan Panja qualified as a doctor from Imperial College School of Medicine, London in 1999. He lives in St Albans, Hertfordshire and is a partner in a medical practise in North London