An up-to-date overview of the pharmaceutical industry. Covers the history of the industry and considers how it is likely to evolve in the future. Presents the characteristics and patterns of illness and health care, properties of the ideal drug, and the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. Considers antibacterials, antibiotics, antihistamines, analgesics, steroids, and nonsteroid anti-inflammatory agents. Includes chapters on drugs affecting the central nervous system, cardiovascular drugs, anticholinergic drugs, and anti-asthma drugs. Also discusses infections and tropical diseases.