The seventh edition of a book first appearing in 1932 demands more than a cursory examination. Its position of leadership in the orthopedic literature was firmly established by Mercer, but its recent continuity was assured by Duthie, who has been associated with the book in various capacities for at least 15 years.
The book is divided into areas of general and specific knowledge. An excellent introduction to the basic science aspects of the musculoskeletal system comes before discussion of specific affections. A dual approach is used thereafter. Problems that tend to similarly affect most regions of the locomotor system, such as arthritis, infection, and tumors, are dealt with in separate sections. Thereafter a regional approach covering the diseases specific to each anatomic area is followed. The emphasis is on accurate and complete diagnosis, with methods of treatment discussed in a more general way. Excellent references, many of 1971 and 1972