Chamberlain's Symptoms and Signs in Clinical Medicine, An Introduction to Medical Diagnosis by Houghton, Andrew R; Gray, David;

Short description:

First published in 1936, this classic text provides students with a detailed, well-illustrated account of the symptoms and signs of diseases affecting all the body systems. Presented in full color, the book ensures readers are fully prepared to deal with the challenging process of differential diagnosis through a thorough knowledge of the central features of the conditions they are likely to encounter. Bullet-point lists and tip boxes facilitate learning and chapter conclude with a summary of key points for easy revision. A companion website features supporting resources including an image library and questions for self-assessment.

Long description:

A classic text, Chamberlain's Symptoms and Signs in Clinical Medicine has been providing students and professionals with a detailed and well-illustrated account of the symptoms and signs of diseases affecting all the body systems since the first edition published in 1936. Now completely rewritten by a new team of authors selected for their experience and reputation in writing quality publications in their specialist fields, the 13th edition brings the title into line with current teaching and practice.

One of the key challenges of writing a textbook of diagnostic medicine is to balance the "bottom up" approach of constructing a differential diagnosis from individual clinical findings, and the "top down" approach of learning the key features pertaining to a particular diagnosis. The 13th edition of Chamberlain's Symptoms and Signs in Clinical Medicine integrates both approaches into a coherent working framework that will assist the reader in preparing for academic and professional examinations, and in everyday practice.

Presented in full colour and illustrated with relevant images, this book provides a thorough lesson in diagnostic medicine, ensuring the reader is fully prepared to deal with the challenging process of differential diagnosis through a thorough knowledge of the central features of the conditions that they are likely to encounter.

Key features:

• Teaches the reader how to diagnose correctly through assessment of symptoms and signs while simultaneously recalling all key features of a given condition


• Full colour and generously illustrated


• Conforms with the core competencies required for the foundation years


• Includes bullet point lists and tip boxes


• Chapters conclude with a summary of key points for easy revision


• Written and edited by a highly experienced team of specialists


• Companion website

There are some excellent points made throughout the text... (it) is a well-written book, containing much for undergraduate and postgraduate examinations, and is a worthy alternative to other texts such as Macleod's Clinical Examination.

Table of Contents:

The Basics: Taking a history. An approach to the clinical examination. Devising a differential diagnosis. Ordering basic investigations. Medical records. Presenting cases. Individual Systems: The cardiovascular system. The respiratory system. The gastrointestinal system. The renal system. The genitourinary system. The nervous system. Psychiatric assessment. The musculoskeletal system. The endocrine system. The breast. The hematological system. Skin, nails and hair. The eye. Ear, nose and throat. Infectious and tropical diseases. Special Situations. Assessment of the newborn, infants and children. The acutely ill patient. The patient with impaired consciousness. The older patient. Death and the dying patient.