This work investigates the complex intersection of medical advancement, economic structures, and political influence within the global pharmaceutical industry. Wyndham Davies, drawing upon his background as a medical professional and observer of industrial practices, examines the mechanisms by which drug companies operate on a worldwide scale. The text provides a critical survey of how research, pricing, and regulatory environments shape the availability and development of medicinal products.

Experts recognize this text as a historical document that captures the mid-20th-century perspective on the pharmaceutical sector's expansion. Readers frequently note the clinical and analytical tone of the prose, which serves as a foundational reference for understanding the industry's early regulatory challenges.