The Autobiography of a Quack Though is an odd and interesting story, combining the horror of the Civil War with some dated religious and psychic phenomenon plot details. It details the life of a selfish, greedy, bigoted, and all-around reprehensible doctor as he tries to make the most money possible from the poorest members of society. He's nearly impossible to cheer for, but the writing is good enough. Plus, it is very easy to believe that a doctor could be an opportunist and a pretty criminal, so there's no suspension of belief required.

S. Weir Mitchell (February 15, 1829 – January 4, 1914) was an American physician and writer known for his discovery of causalgia and erythromelalgia. Silas Weir Mitchell discovered and treated causalgia, a condition most often encountered by hand surgeons. He is considered the father of neurology as well as an early pioneer in scientific medicine. He was also a psychiatrist, toxicologist, author, poet, and a celebrity in America and Europe. His many skills and interests led his contemporaries to consider him a genius on par with Benjamin Franklin. His contributions to medicine and particularly hand surgery continue to resonate today.