This book investigates the historical and social context surrounding the development and widespread use of minor tranquilizers. Mickey C. Smith, a pharmacologist and historian of medicine, examines the societal factors that led to the prescription of these drugs, the pharmaceutical industry's role, and the impact on patient populations. The work draws on a range of historical documents and medical literature to present a comprehensive overview of this significant period in psychopharmacology.

The book is recognized as a detailed historical account of a significant class of pharmaceuticals. Its strength lies in its thorough examination of the social and cultural forces that propelled the widespread adoption of minor tranquilizers. The work is considered a valuable resource for understanding the evolution of psychiatric treatment and the complex relationship between medicine, industry, and society. It provides a critical perspective on the era of psychotropic drug expansion.