In a system as complicated as the human body, with such variation of form and function and adaptation, there is much that can go wrong. And as far as medical technology has advanced, especially in the last hundred years, there's still so much that we're only partially equipped to deal with. How we deal with the problems that do arise -- personally and societally -- may bring out significant human qualities: innovation, empathy, perseverance, and adaptability. It is in this way that this collection of maladies and ailments, common or unique, offers not only a look at our weakness, but at our strengths.