Until now, there hasn't been a single, authoritative work that clarifies and informs the lay reader about advances in the practice of modern medicine. The American Medical Association Encyclopedia of Medicine , in filling that need, proves itself the definitive source of knowledge and reassurance for every American home. In short, it is a medical information powerhouse, written in jargon-free language by a special team of medical writers and presented in an exceptionally usable A-to-Z format -- the most thorough and up-to-the-minute medical reference text yet prepared for the general American public, as well as for libraries and schools. It's unique subject coverage includes: new drugs; special tests; common, rare, and recently-identified diseases, disorders and conditions; state-of-the-art surgical procedures; conflicting or varying opinions; the translation of esoteric terminology -- all complex areas of contemporary medicine that may prove confusing to anyone, even when consulting a physician. The broad scope of The American Medical Association Encyclopedia of Medicine encompasses: *Over 5,000 entries with 2,200 illustrations. *Medical terms defined in clear, easy-to-understand language alphabetically arranged. *Listings of 2,200 common and uncommon disorders, diseases, conditions and cures; over 300 symptoms; 2,500 drugs -- in generic, brand-name and major groupings; 600 tests, procedures and surgical operations. *Illustrated features on the anatomy of the body's organs and systems. *Four-color introductory section, offering an overview of the latest advances in diagnosis, healing and curing. *Anatomically-correct drawings, X rays, specialists' photographs and charts, diagrams and scans. *Extensive cross-referencing within articles to their main entries, "see alsos" for further information, and "signpost" articles to give overviews of certain subjects. *General index to main entries, sub-entries and illustrations. The American Medical Association Encyclopedia of Medicine is, along with the diagnostically oriented AMA Family Medical Guide and the specialized, comprehensive AMA Guide to Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs , an authoritative major component of The American Medical Association Home Reference Library, the distinguished series that belongs in every home. This wide-ranging, up-to-date dictionary describes diseases, conditions, symptoms, medications, tests, procedures, and surgical operations for the layperson. Its authority, broad coverage, and excellent diagnostic charts distinguish it from similar works, although the AMA Family Medical Guide ( LJ 11/15/82) provides more diagnostic information but less detailed description. Although it attempts to be layperson-oriented, it often fails; e.g., there are no cross-references from upper and lower gastrointestinal to "barium X-ray examinations," and many terms in its short entries must be looked up elsewhere in the book. A short list of self-help organizations (with phone numbers and addresses) emphasizes the limited usefulness of any work of this type. Nonetheless, for quick explanations, this book is among the best. - Robert Aken, Univ. of Kentucky Libs., Lexington Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. here hasn't been a single, authoritative work that clarifies and informs the lay reader about advances in the practice of modern medicine. The American Medical Association Encyclopedia of Medicine , in filling that need, proves itself the definitive source of knowledge and reassurance for every American home. In short, it is a medical information powerhouse, written in jargon-free language by a special team of medical writers and presented in an exceptionally usable A-to-Z format -- the most thorough and up-to-the-minute medical reference text yet prepared for the general American public, as well as for libraries and schools. It's unique subject coverage includes: new drugs; special tests; common, rare, and recently-identified diseases, disorders and conditions; state-of-the-art surgical procedures; conflicting or varying opinions; the translation of esoteric terminology -- all complex areas of contemporary medicine that may prove confusing to anyone, even when consulting a ph