For the past twenty years the publishers of THE MERCK MANUAL, one of the most widely used sources of medical information in the world, realised that more and more copies of the guide were being purchased by people who were not healthcare professionals, despite the fact that it had never been advertised and was not written for public use. Recognising the public's increasing need for access to the same medical information doctors have, Merck responded with the HOME EDITION. This contained virtually all the information in the physician's version, but in easy-to-understand, everyday language, with a reader-friendly format. Since its publication three years ago the HOME EDITION has gone on to sell more than 2 million copies worldwide. Now Merck have updated the edition to cater for the changing medical environment. The new edition contains 35 new chapters on subjects ranging from Gene Therapy and the warning signs of cancer to biological warfare and terrorism and with 64 new illustrations and colour plates along with new tables on emerging drugs, THE MERCK MANUAL is the only home reference guide all health conscious readers will need.

Reviews

At last, a consumer version of the Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, a.k.a., the Merck Manual, the most widely used medical textbook in the world. With a few exceptions and some additions, this home edition contains nearly all the information found in the Merck Manual but written for the lay reader. The layout is accessible, with the book divided into sections organized around either organ systems or medical specialties. Each section begins with an outline detailing the contents of following chapters. Extras include sections on men's, women's and children's health. Cross references throughout the text are extremely helpful, and the line drawings are clear and understandable. Appendixes include information on legal issues, tables of weights and measures, common medical tests, trade names of generic drugs, and a resource listing of organizations providing information and support. Overall, this home edition compares favorably with similar resources such as the Mayo Clinic Family Health Book (Morrow, 1996. 2d ed.), avoiding a big, splashy presentation to focus on content. Essential for all medical, consumer health, and public libraries.‘Kate Kelly, Treadwell Lib., Massachusetts General Hosp., Boston

Jane E. Brody "The New York Times" The most useful [medical guide] of all...consumer friendly...clever cross-referencing...includes topics missing from many competitors.