Dr. J. Ned Smith, Jr., has written a delightful handbook for quick reference, one particularly aimed at medical students, so that there is little in it to arouse controversy. At first I hesitated to review this text, as I too have recently completed a textbook on clinical gastroenterology, but I hope my experience has made me a better judge. After reading Dr. Smith's book, I find the subjects covered to be pleasantly treated, and I would be happy to have my students acquire their first knowledge of digestive disorders from this volume. No one will agree with all that Dr. Smith says, but little details are unimportant. He gives space to subjects in proportion to their general frequency in real life, so that ulcerative colitis and duodenal ulcer receive their due. Because it is intended for medical students, however, the book has some omissions, an example of which is the