Physical Diagnosis, 17th edition, by John W. Burnside and Thomas J. McGlynn is the continuation of a book first published by a Dr Cabot in 1900. The contents are logically arranged; the first four chapters give an overview of history taking, physical examination, and physician-patient interrelations. The remaining chapters cover the different organ systems, from skin to nervous system. Each of these chapters is subdivided into history, anatomy, examination, and common findings. Important points are stressed by placing them in heavy print in the text and using tables liberally. Illustrations consist of clear photographs and some excellent drawings.
Overall, this is a "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" textbook. The "Dr Jekyll," or good, aspects are the first four chapters in which the authors lucidly and in detail discuss clinical diagnosis, decision making, probability analysis, behavior and attitudes of patients and physicians, and the problem-oriented record. These chapters are excellent, particularly