Bernard Lown is a pioneer in research on sudden cardiac death. He invented the defibrillator and introduced the technique of cardioversion. He discovered the use of lidocaine in treating ventricular arrhythmias. Very early in the course of his career Dr Lown shed light on the relationship between potassium and digitalis. For his exceptional work in raising public awareness of the catastrophic consequences of nuclear war, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985. This distinguished cardiologist, whose research and wisdom have shaped modern cardiology, writes his memoirs and also pinpoints the ills plaguing modern medicine and suggests a cure.