Madison author Erika Janik's new book is "Marketplace of the Marvelous," out now in hardcover from Boston's Beacon Press. (PHOTO: Dutcher Photography) Published Feb. 13, 2014 at 9:02 a.m.

There's no doubt about it, medicine has come a long way over the past century. But, ask Wisconsin historian and author Erika Janik and she'll tell you, medicine in the 19th century wasn't all snake oil and trickery.

In fact, many of the ideas we now embrace herbal remedies, drinking a lot of water, chiropractic care, regular exercise, massage therapy were born out of 19th century practitioners who were considered outcasts in their day.

While Publisher's Weekly says Janik's "Marketplace of the Marvelous: The Strange Origins of Modern Medicine," is "a must-read for medical history buffs," the book is, in fact, a fascinating and readable look into the roots of modern medicine, with some bonus ties to Wisconsin for hometown readers.

We caught up with the Madison-based Janik who is also the author of "A Short History of Wisconsin," "Odd Wisconsin" and "Madison: History of a Model City," among other works to discuss the new book, which is published in hardcover by Beacon Press.

OnMilwaukee.com: How did you come to the subject of the new book?

Erika Janik: This book really began with two things: an article from the archives of the Journal of the American Medical Association congratulating the state of Wisconsin for finally capturing the Reinhardt brothers of Milwaukee, and the unexpected discovery that my great-grandmother practiced a form of hydrotherapy, or water cure, in Chicago in the early 20th century.

I ended up co-writing an article on the Reinhardts with my husband for the "Wisconsin Magazine of History." This research led me deep into what we now call alternative medicine but what was known as "irregular" medicine in the 19th century. I discovered a world filled with quirky characters with big ideas and irregular healing practices that welcomed women as professional doctors long before they were welcomed into mainstream medicine. I love offbeat stories, utopian ideas and women in unexpected places.

OMC: Do you have any connections to medicine, other than as a user, like the rest of us?

EJ: My husband is a physician, or a regular doctor as I would call him in the book, with a deep interest in history. His input was invaluable to me even as we disagreed about certain points. His insights certainly pushed me to a deeper understanding of medicine and made me think twice about my assumptions. I think my research changed the way he thinks about his field or at least I hope so!

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Janik traces modern medicine's roots amid 19th century outcasts