Baer (anthropology, U. of Arkansas, Little Rock) examines medical pluralism in the US from the Revolutionary War period through the end of the 20th century, discussing healing systems as diverse as Christian Science, osteopathy, acupuncture, Santeria, and Southern Appalachian herbalism. He also explores the persistence of folk medical systems among working-class Americans, and the interest of pharmaceutical and healthcare corporations in the holistic health movement. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)