History of the Introduction of Lithium into Medicine and Psychiatry: Birth of modern psychopharmacology 1949

This is the first work of its kind in twenty-five years. With it, Professor Johan Schioldann, of the University of Adelaide, lifts the lid on the early history of modern psychopharmacology.

Through meticulous research, Schioldann closes the gap that has plagued the history of lithium therapy for many years: the apparent ‘serendipity’ enjoyed by John Cade in his discovery of lithium’s effects on patients with mood disorders, and the origins of his ideas. This detailed study presents and evaluates layer upon layer of painstaking research in the
attempt to determine whether the oft-lauded Australian, John Cade, really was the father of lithium therapy.

Through insightful and detailed research, and often drawing on materials never before accessed, Schioldann’s History of the introduction of lithium into medicine and psychiatry traces the history of lithium therapy from Denmark in the latter part of the 1800s, through to Cade in the 1940s, and beyond. 

This work truly is an essential addition to the field of psychopharmacology. It is a must-have work for anybody involved in the fields of psychiatry, psychopharmacology, or the history of medicine.