The Encyclopaedia of General Practice

Although only the first two volumes are available at the time of this review, it is obvious that The Encyclopaedia of General Practice is truly a monumental work which is unique in terms of sheer size and scope. It encompasses all conditions, common or rare, likely to be encountered in general practice, with emphasis on those which can be managed by general practitioners.

It is unfortunate that such an ambitious undertaking does not have a greater degree of international usefulness. The Encyclopaedia is written and edited by British physicians, most of whom are general practitioners or specialists with personal experience in general practice. While it may be admirably suited to the needs of British generalists, the considerable differences in medical practice between Britain and the United States limit its usefulness for American physicians. For example, the British and American concepts and definitions of bronchitis and emphysema are sufficiently different as