Book Review

NELSON TEXTBOOK OF PEDIATRICS By Richard E. Behrman, Robert M. Kleigman and Hal B. Jenson (Editors) 17th Edition 2004. Publisher : Elsevier under the imprint Saunders Price (e-edition) : Rs 3995 (Text book) : Rs 2250 This textbook remains ever green. Every new edition is eagerly awaited, and most of us have acquired successive editions. There is no doubt that it remains the best book on pediatrics, inspire of a number of competitors. It is surprisingly up-to-date and provides the latest information on any given topic. One reason for its success is the excellent work done by the editors in providing concise and comprehensive information on literally every topic of pediatrics in a reader friendly manner, and restricting the text to a single, easily manageable volume. Almost 40% of its 325 contributors are new, which adds freshness and liveliness to the book. Chapters on respiration, hematology, allergy, liver and g.i. disorders, neoplastic disease & tumors, diabetes mellitus and neuromuscular disorders are completely rewritten, while additions have been made to almost all chapters. There are expanded discussions on developmental disorders, increased coverage of genetics and new chapters on bioterrorism, obesity and herbal medicines. A new and remarkable feature is the online version of the book. Although this requires additional subscription it is well worth its cost because it will provide continuous

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updates. It also has a Power Point slide image library, pediatric guidelines and case studies. I would suggest that the case studies should be collated and published as a separate booklet. This would enhance the value of the textbook, as the printed version has a greater reach in the world. The printing is in 2 colours, and one hopes that there would be more colours in future. An increase in photographs and radiographic images may be considered for future editions, although it is appreciated that this may increase the cost. I thoroughly recommend all pediatricians to invest in the new edition, and those who have computers to subscribe to the online version. I.C. Verma

Senior Consultant and Head Dept. of Medical Genetics, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi 110060 Ph : 0091-11-25821767 Fax : 0091-11-25751002, 25825759

Indian Journal of PediatriCs, Volume 70--November, 2003