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The Merck Manual of Medical Information, Second Edition: The World's Most Widely Used Medical Reference - Now In Everyday Language |
List Price: $37.50
Your Price: $24.75 |
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Product Info |
Reviews |
Rating: Summary: Cowabunga!! Review:
Based on the medical classic "Merck Manual" this version is written for specifically for the layperson. I like to think of it as a mini-medical encyclodpedia with a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips. A great resource for all, I give it 5 stars easy! Also liked "The No-Beach, No-Zone, No-Nonsense Weight Loss Plan, A Pocket Guide To What Works" for a good review of what the published research has to say about how to lose weight.
Rating: Summary: Unparalleled Masterpiece - ALMOST PERFECT! Review: Compared to other medical references available in the market such as American Medical Assoc, Harvard's, Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic or British Medical Assoc medical / family health guides, etc. the Merck's Manual is definitely the best and the most complete & informative. With contributions from around 300 medical experts, no other guide comes close to it in terms of quality, readibility and relevance. However, this 1940-page awesome piece of work can yet be further improved. That's why I'm not giving it a full 5-STAR rating.
One feature that can be added to this Medical Manual are a series of FLOW CHARTS with cross-referencing for the readers to "diagnose" their symptoms, complications etc. Doesn't have to be too many - probably around 100 symptom charts would do. These decision diagrams would be quicker and easier to use than the Index. The ones found in British MA Family Doctor Home Advisor and Harvard's Family Health Guide are very good examples.
Secondly, the editors should use the METRIC SYSTEM for measurement units e.g. temperature in Celsius (with Fahrenheit in brackets), weight in kilograms, metres (or centimetres) for height, etc. so that everybody around the world can enjoy reading those knowledge-packed pages without having to convert and carry a calculator every time.
Thirdly, some COLOUR CODINGS (or thumb index) should be helpful for easier referencing since the book contains over 300 chapters. At least, we don't have to refer to the Appendix or Content Page too often. If colour codings are too expensive, shades of grey, light red (as in the diagrams) etc. should still be acceptable.
Fourthly, the middle coloured-pages section of the book (8-page colour inset) showing the various systems of the body should be placed with the flow charts (as suggested above) so that it can give an EXCELLENT OVERVIEW of the body's anatomy, physiology and related diseases and complications.
Lastly, the Index is not that exhaustive. Not all relevant pages are listed e.g. an important page on "thalassemia" (page 994) has been missed out. And entries for common symptoms like "sneezing" cannot be found. May be a REPRINT with CORRECTIONS is advisable.
P/S. A slightly THICKER PAPER would do justice to this book...
Rating: Summary: The Merck Manual of Medical Information Review: Fantastic book for in depth but easy to understand reference book. It give you information in plain English, it's almost like a novel but very educational. For an example: It might say "take acetaminophen (Tylenol)" It gives you the meaning to words that are uncommon to everyday usage. Another great aspect is the the book uses a lot of examples after the explanation so that you can fully understand and apply that information if not understood. I have a learning disability (LD and ADD) and I find it very easy to read and understand with out mind boggling confusion.
Rating: Summary: The Merck Manual of Medical Information Review: Fantastic book for in depth but easy to understand reference book. It give you information in plain English, it's almost like a novel but very educational. For an example: It might say "take acetaminophen (Tylenol)" It gives you the meaning to words that are uncommon to everyday usage. Another great aspect is the the book uses a lot of examples after the explanation so that you can fully understand and apply that information if not understood. I have a learning disability (LD and ADD) and I find it very easy to read and understand with out mind boggling confusion.
Rating: Summary: Article on circumcision Review: Having recently assisted at the birth of my son and well informed in the most up-to-date research into the anatomy of the penis and the history and practice of circumcision in the U.S., I read with some surprise and no little chagrin the tendentious and rather uninformed presentation on the subject of circumcision. It is surprising that so little account is taken of penile anatomy or the rights of the subject (most often an infant) of this surgery. In the case of baby boys, no notice at all is taken of circumcision as the surgical removal of significant healthy genital tissue from healthy baby boys. A significant surgical procedure with no medical necessity...seems a bit odd to me. In any event, it certainly casts much doubt for me on the authority of the rest of the manual, which I surely hope stands on firmer scientific footing.
Rating: Summary: A great resource and a small warning Review: I certainly have not read all of this work. When I have something wrong I look it up here , and try to understand the degree of seriousness. It helps. The information here is comprehensive and clearly written. It is indexed and referenced in a way which makes it easy to get to. I have a number of other medical encyclopedias and this seems to me to be the best. I would however add one word of caution, a piece of advice that I do not take always myself. A self- diagnosis is often a danger, as a skilled physician will know and understand more, and have more means available than even the most expert layman. Don't in other words use what you read here as a way of avoiding the doctor when you may really need proper medical attention.
Rating: Summary: AYURVEDA and Western Medicine Review: The Merck Manual is a great source of Western medical information. To complement this, I use the Yale doctor's book, AN ELEMENTARY TEXTBOOK OF AYURVEDA by Frank John Ninivaggi, M.D. of Yale University Medical School. Both give practical information about how to stay well and treat medical and psychological problems.
Rating: Summary: Nearly 200 medical experts have contributed their background Review: The original home edition of a medical classic reference has been completely revised and revamped - The Merck Manual Of Medical Information, Second Edition: The World's Most Widely Used Medical Reference - Now In Everyday Language holds all the information of the original manual, but in a form which makes it easy for everyday readers to understand. Nearly 200 medical experts have contributed their backgrounds to the contents of this fine guide, which includes new or revised chapters in alternative medicine, symptoms of gynecologic disorders, and healthcare communications.
Rating: Summary: Please read this before buying... Review: This book is essentially an encyclopedia of medical problems and conditions and is based upon a manual widely used by medical professionals. Should be of use to many people. Also liked "Treat Your Own Knees" for knee pain.
Rating: Summary: Please read this before buying... Review: This book is essentially an encyclopedia of medical problems and conditions and is based upon a manual widely used by medical professionals. Should be of use to many people. Also liked "Treat Your Own Knees" for knee pain.
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