This Companion is a fascinating and authoritative guide to the field of medicine and its specialties. While drawing on the strengths of previous medical companions, the Oxford Illustrated Companion to Medicine has been rethought and redesigned. With a greater emphasis on the history of medicine, its cultural links with the arts and music, and its international nature, this new edition has been completely rewritten under the auspices of the distinguished editorial team headed by Stephen Lock. More than 200 contributors have contributed over 500 substantial articles and many more shorter ones, ranging from "abortion" to "zygote". All the major medical and nursing specialties are covered, and detailed attention is given to complementary therapies, national medical systems, and the historical development of medicine. The clear and appealing layout and comprehensive cross-referencing ensure that information can be found quickly and easily. Features new to this edition include special 'Breakouts' that highlight key discoveries, diseases, and technologies. And many carefully researched illustrations complement the text, ensuring that the book is highly attractive as well as informative. From reviews of the Oxford Medical Companion '... I cannot recommend too highly. Arranged alphabetically, ending with zygote, it is literate, readable, and companionable.' The Daily Telegraph 'Magisterial updating and revision ... A sparkling compromise between technical and historical detail that any doctor or nurse would enjoy.' The Philadelphia Inquirer 'Every entry satisfied, some were brilliant, and from most I learnt something 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 an excellent reference source and as a medical book that is fun to browse through.' Library Journal 'The book should prove educational and entertaining to all health professionals as well as to lay people.... Carammed full of fascinating titbits of information on a hugely broad range of topics while containing trustworthy and comprehensive reviews.' The Lancet 'It is, obviously, difficult to confine "medicine" between two covers, but the editors of this engaging volume have probably come as close to accomplishing the feat as we are likely to see.' Nature Medicine

Stephen Lock's profile page

John Last's profile page

George Dunea's profile page

Dr Stephen Lock was formerly Editor of the British Medical Journal, and editor with Lord Walton and Jeremiah Barondess of The Oxford Medical Companion. Dr George Dunea is Professor of Medicine at the University of Illinois and Attending Physician at the Division of Renal Medicine and Hypertension at Cook County Hospital, Chicago, IL. Professor John M Last is Emeritus Professor of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

'"A quite exceptional book that would be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in the highways - and more especially the byways - of medicine."' British Medical Journal

'"The preface to this sumptious volume describes a companion as 'a friend, a guide, and a support in everyday life.' This book sets out to fulfill this role for the medic and interested layman. It does so with aplomb...What attracts me most to this book is its coverage of the literary, cultural and historical in mdicine, and the illustrations, which are numerous, with many in colour... This book is a very welcome companion on my reference shelf, particularly for the insights and information it will give me on history and culture in relation to medicine."' British Journal of General Practice

'"The preface to this sumptious volume describes a companion as 'a friend, a guide, and a support in everyday life.' This book sets out to fulfill this role for the medic and interested layman. It does so with aplomb...What attracts me most to this book is it's coverage of the literary, cultural and historical in mdicine, and the illustrations, which are numerous, with many in colour... This book is a very welcome companion on my reference shelf, particularly for the insights and information it will give me on history and culture in relation to medicine."' British Journal of General Practice

'"Not often is one moved to say 'this is a must' but it is."' Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine

'"If the medical knowledge you seek is not in here, it probably isn't worth knowing. An impressive addition to anyone's bookshelves."' South Wales Argus

'"An entertaining read."' The Lancet