This Companion is a fascinating and authoritative guide to the field ofmedicine and its specialties. While drawing on the strengths of previous medicalcompanions, the Oxford Illustrated Companion to Medicine has been rethought andredesigned. With a greater emphasis on the history of medicine, its culturallinks with the arts and music, and its international nature, this new editionhas been completely rewritten under the auspices of the distinguished editorialteam headed by Stephen Lock. More than 200 contributors have contributed over500 substantial articles and many more shorter ones, ranging from "abortion" to"zygote". All the major medical and nursing specialties are covered, anddetailed attention is given to complementary therapies, national medicalsystems, and the historical development of medicine. The clear and appealinglayout and comprehensive cross-referencing ensure that information can be foundquickly and easily. Features new to this edition include special 'Breakouts'that highlight key discoveries, diseases, and technologies. And many carefullyresearched illustrations complement the text, ensuring that the book is highlyattractive as well as informative. From reviews of the Oxford MedicalCompanion '... I cannot recommend too highly. Arranged alphabetically, endingwith zygote, it is literate, readable, and companionable.' The Daily Telegraph'Magisterial updating and revision ... A sparkling compromise between technicaland historical detail that any doctor or nurse would enjoy.' The PhiladelphiaInquirer 'Every entry satisfied, some were brilliant, and from most I learntsomething that I had not known before. If medicine is about human reality(disease)... This good and reliable companion will lighten the reality. BMJ'... the book has an all-in-one quality that makes it appealing both as anexcellent reference source and as a medical book that is fun to browse through.'Library Journal 'The book should prove educational and entertaining to allhealth professionals as well as to lay people.... Carammed full of fascinatingtitbits of information on a hugely broad range of topics while containingtrustworthy and comprehensive reviews.' The Lancet 'It is, obviously, difficultto confine "medicine" between two covers, but the editors of this engagingvolume have probably come as close to accomplishing the feat as we are likely tosee.' Nature Medicine

Stephen Lock, M.D., was formerly the editor of The British Medical Journal. George Dunea, M.D., teaches at the University of Illinois. And John Last, M.D., teaches at the University of Ottawa.