Product Description

A layman's guide to health. Ailments are arranged alphabetically with lists of symptoms and advice on which can be treated at home, and which need professional help.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #466312 in Books
• Published on: 1983-01-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 624 pages

Customer Reviews

The definitive family medical reference
Although this book first came out in the early 1980's and would appear not to have been revised dramatically since then, I would still rate it as the best, easy to understand guide you could have on health matters. Since it was first published there have been at least two major health issues emerge (BSE, and SARS) that are not covered in my edition printed in 1984. The coverage of AIDS is outdated, and no doubt there are a number of illicit substances available now that are not covered in the drug abuse section. Some treament options outlined will be out of date too. However, for the average family coping with everyday health problems, the descriptions and explanation this book gives are as relevant today as they were twenty years ago, and at the price being asked the book is excellent value for money.

The format of the book is that of an encyclopaedia. The main section has headings in A-Z order. This is supplemented by an index at the back of the book, allowing you to reference ailments by names different to those used as headings in the main section. This is essential in any medical reference book, and one criticism I have is that the index could have been more comprehensive in this regard. For example, it would be helpful to be able to look up "varicella" in the index and be referred to the entry on "chickenpox" rather than only being able to find out that varicella is the medical term for chickenpox within the text of the chickenpox entry.

The entries in the main section offer clear explanations of the symptoms, causes, and course of a large number of illnesses. They also cover illness prevention in health related topics such as exercise, pregnancy, and child care.

There are two other sections in the book. There is a comprehensive first aid section at the back and a helpful "symptom sorter" at the front. If you have a query as to your health and refer to this book, you are almost certain to learn something that will help you, and are very likely to come away with a full and satisfying explanation and a clear understanding of what you need to do.

really useful
My parents had one of these years ago. Our more modern edition is still reliable, accurate, easy to use, has a brilliant diagnostic tool, and is often used when one of our family is ill to answer the 'should we go to the doctor?' question. The pencil illustrations are beautiful works of art too. PS: it doesn't need electricity!