IT IS UNFORTUNATE that physicians are so busy

caring for the seriously ill that they frequently do not

have time to answer all the questions patients or their

families wish to ask. Furthermore, there is a gener-

al reluctance on the part of most people to make too

many inquiries for fear that they will impose upon

their doctor s valuable time. This situation is often ag-

gravated by the desire of patients to obtain additional

data about their illness long after they have left their

physician s consulting room. As a consequence,

much important medical information fails to be trans-

mitted at times when it would be most helpful.

This book is predicated upon the conviction that

people have the right to medical knowledge should

they seek it, and that the widespread dissemination

of accurate information about health and disease

can lead only to a healthier population.

Included in this work are more than 7,500 ques-

tions and answers pertaining to the various branches

of medicine and surgery. The chapters have been

written by qualified specialists who have compiled

those questions most often asked them by their pa-

tients. Nontechnical language has been used wher-

ever possible, so that there will be no difficulty in u n-

derstanding the text.

The statements of the contributors represent their

own independent medical thinking. Somewhat

different responses may be given in discussion of

similar topics, but it should be remembered that

Medicine has always embraced differences of opin-

ion, and that its ultimate goal, attainment and main-

tenance of health, can be achieved by varied ap-

proaches.

The use of this book will be facilitated by reference

to the Contents to help locate the topic in which the

reader is interested. If a subject cannot be located

readily in the Contents, we suggest that the Index be

consulted.

Every effort has been made by the participating

doctors to provide the soundest and most up-to-date

information and advice. Events in the medical world

are happening with great and sometimes surprising

rapidity. Thus, new discoveries may take place even

while the book is being printed. Each contributor has

reviewed his material in the light of current de-

velopments at the very last moment, making this en-

cyclopedia, in our belief, as complete as it is possi-

ble to make it.