The Essence of Invention: Medicine and the Joy of Creativity

Meet the brilliant mavericks who invented the future of medicine and saved the lives of millions.

The Essence of Invention tells the story of medical inventors who have laid the foundation for modern patient care, from the development of anesthesia and safe surgery to the advent of vaccines against smallpox, polio, and Covid-19, and how, through creativity and persistence, they have changed the world.

The same kind of energy that drove Van Gogh or the Beatles can manifest itself in medicine as inventiveness and the creation of new medical devices. The field may feel very different from what is traditionally considered a creative industry, but the fundamental motivation and aspiration to create and the conviction and resilience needed to do so are the same.

Dr. Murphy celebrates the creative energy of courageous men and women, honors their unique gifts, and explains how a culture of creativity and collaboration can and must be established around them to allow their talents to take flight.

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Release date

Audiobook: 3 February 2026