We rate the contents, style and information depth of the Merck Manual at 100% +. We rely on this manual and its extraordinary depth and clarity of content very much. Three of the family have nursing backgrounds Merck is a MUST !

This is the third edition I use. I am a psychiatrist but like to keep up with what happens in other fields of medicine. I use it to look up illnesses and symptoms my patients and friends com up with. I use it to get ideas about diagnoses. I believe this is a book to recommend to new doctors. Of course the articles about each somatic state are very short so they need to be followed up elsewhere. But this book is a real good starter. I recommend i warmly.

This is probably a redundant review since all the reviews are 5* reviews, but I'll give you my perspective. This is the third copy of this book I own, the other two being previous editions. If I could own only one medical book, this would be it. While it has grown ~ 500 pages since the last edition I own, it's all good. Every topic is covered both succinctly and authoritatively and kept up to date. The section on AIDS for instance was excellent, nonexistant from my previous edition. Same with Autism and countless other topics. Cross referencing this with other medical texts, time and again the information was accurate, current and on target. The editorial style between topics was consistent, highly readable and easy to absorb quickly. Sitting down to read a topic was always a pleasurable learning experience - loaded with information and to the point.Most importantly for a book of this nature the Index and Tables of contents for each chapter allow you to get to information quickly. This book makes highly effective use of your time investment in a topic.

This book ranks as THE essential book to have in any medical library, whether your library consists of one book or (as mine does), several walls of bookshelves full of books.

This is probably a redundant review since all the reviews are 5* reviews, but I'll give you my perspective. This is the third copy of this book I own, the other two being previous editions. If I could own only one medical book, this would be it. While it has grown ~ 500 pages since the last edition I own, it's all good. Every topic is covered both succinctly and authoritatively and kept up to date. The section on AIDS for instance was excellent, nonexistant from my previous edition. Same with Autism and countless other topics. Cross referencing this with other medical texts, time and again the information was accurate, current and on target. The editorial style between topics was consistent, highly readable and easy to absorb quickly. Sitting down to read a topic was always a pleasurable learning experience - loaded with information and to the point.Most importantly for a book of this nature the Index and Tables of contents for each chapter allow you to get to information quickly. This book makes highly effective use of your time investment in a topic.

This book ranks as THE essential book to have in any medical library, whether your library consists of one book or (as mine does), several walls of bookshelves full of books.

I am studying for NP and found this book is comprehensive, with all info you need, symptoms and signs, diagnosis, treatment...under each disease or disorder, well organized and easy to find information you need. And the price at amazon.com is lowest I ever found.

I am studying for NP and found this book is comprehensive, with all info you need, symptoms and signs, diagnosis, treatment...under each disease or disorder, well organized and easy to find information you need. And the price at amazon.com is lowest I ever found.

This book has been wonderful! I am thrilled to be able to use it on my journey through nursing school. This book is a pathophysiology life saver as well. The care plans listed here and the information that is in this little book make life much easier! If you are in the medical field, you should own this book. If you are someone that is interested in just learning more, you might want to try the family edition that isn't quite as technical.

This book has been wonderful! I am thrilled to be able to use it on my journey through nursing school. This book is a pathophysiology life saver as well. The care plans listed here and the information that is in this little book make life much easier! If you are in the medical field, you should own this book. If you are someone that is interested in just learning more, you might want to try the family edition that isn't quite as technical.

A well edited reference book that helps one understand nursing diagnostics. The writing is a bit small and the paper is very thin but other than that its a great little book.

A well edited reference book that helps one understand nursing diagnostics. The writing is a bit small and the paper is very thin but other than that its a great little book.

This latest edition of the Merck Manual has been signifigantly updated and refreshed. The breadth is exceptional, and the hundreds of contributors have produced a tight, concise overview of medical coditions. You won't get any hand-holding, so if you are unfamiliar with medical language get a good medical dictionary and before long you'll be off and running. An invaluable reference for medical professionals and patients who like to read it straight up. It's interesting to compare earlier editions and realize that medical knowledge is still incomplete, even with the authoritative tone. The human system is so intricate and amazing. I'm glad that there are people trying to figure it out. Carry on!

I am a nurse and depend on the merck manual for
information and usualy get the new edition when
it is printed.I would not be without the manual.

This is an excellent resource for anyone. I highly recommend it for individuals who want to review major breakthroughs in the health care industry. It provides concise, yet detailed information on many important topics that interest almost anyone.

My parents gave me a copy of the Merck Manual when I was in college. Since then I have used the manual as a practical reference for anything from the slightest rash to much for serious ailments. It makes it a lot easier to have a productive conversation with your doctor when you have a basic understanding of the medical condition and terms.

I just upgraded to the 18th edition and the format is much improved. It's easier to find information and is well organized.

This was a birthday gift for my son who is the T.B. epidemiologist at the Michigan State Health Department. He loved the gift and I loved the price!

First, buy copy of Harrison's and position on desk so that other physicians can see you are a Serious Doctor. Hope they don't notice the layer of dust it accumulates.

Second, buy this book. Hide it under papers at the other end of your desk. You will use it every day if you know what is good for your patients. It's cheap, buy a second copy and keep it on your bed stand and read it cover to cover.

With this edition, the Merck Manual returns to a more professionally oriented content from the disastrous previous edition. Don't let the reviews here that this is a good text for "lay people" put you off. It is not and only those people who think they can cram 12 years of medical education (not counting experience afterwards) into 30 minutes of on-line Googling will think so.

I am familiar with this book since 1981 and every ten years I buy the most recent edition ,by this I can keep myself updated in various aspects of medicne specaily those outside the scope of specialty.
I think that the Merck Manual is one of the most usefull medical books , for its comprehensive clinical knowledge, excellent and informative tables and diagrams.
I encourage all the doctors to have a copy of the Merck manual , knowing that this book is not a specialty limited text book .

This is a vast medical reference book, written in technical language for practicing clinicians. That, of course, does not mean that it can't be endlessly fascinating and useful for so-called "laypeople" as well.

Always wanted to be a doctor? Grades were never good enough? Couldn't afford it? Not to worry. This book is the wannabe physician's dream, and the hypochondriac's worst nightmare. It covers the entire range of human illness and injury, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. No other medical reference book comes close to its exhaustive coverage and scientific excellence. Potential readers should keep in mind that this book is NOT a drug reference, but a manual for general clinical practice. If you want to know the infinite details about your favorite pills, you'll need the Physician's Desk Reference as well.

The book has thousands of tissue-paper thin pages, all filled with text. There are no photographs, few graphics of any kind, and only a few tables. It's a massive encyclopedia. For the curious and well-informed layperson, I recommend this book over the watered-down home version. It's not that the home version is "dumbed down." It isn't, but the real thing is far more scientifically penetrating in analysis, cause and treatment options. The technical language can be a bit daunting without a good medical dictionary (or an M.D. or D.O. degree), but once you learn a few recurring terms you'll find this book to be the best self-doctoring tool you've ever put your hands on. The only thing you won't be able to do is write your own prescriptions! Your doctor will just HATE you for it.

New editions of the Merck Manual come around every six years or so, and sometimes it takes as long as ten, so this edition will be current for at least another five years. I know it sounds perverted, but I bought this book because I enjoy the science behind it. I read it just to learn new fascinating things about the wonderful field of medicine, and you can too! If anything, you'll appreciate how brilliant your medical professionals are.

The Merck Manual has always been a medical gem. The information is timely, authoritative, and beautifully written and edited. It informs but does not overwhelm with esoteric medical-speak. I have been a physician (M.D.)for 47 years and have found The Manual a valuable companion on countless occasions. The section on personality disorders, for example, provides one of the finest explanations of the diagnosis and treatment of these complicated mental conditions I have ever read. The Merck Manual sets a very high standard for medical texts.

realy it is a reference for me and my patients sometimes and not only in my specility and other specilities

The Merck Manual continues to be a well organized reference book that covers a broad range of health topics/disease. Great book!

Excellent brief entries with salient facts about a wide variety of medical conditions. I revieew medical charts for a living, and this is an invaluable resource for quick, no nonsense information.

The Merck Manual is an indispensable book for every home where lives someone with any medical training (or one who loves to use a dictionary). You get a succinct review of any disease process, as well as all possible treatments & outcomes. Couldn't do without it, & buy a new one every time it comes out.

This is a one-of-a-kind, general reference medical book that is both extremely thorough and very well written. It's actually quite a pleasure to read for anyone curious about medicine and the workings of human body and mind. The section on psychiatric disorders and their treatment, my area of interest, covers about 100 pages, and seems accurate and authoritative. Some aspects of that section may be a touch antiquated, but that doesn't necessarily detract from the book. Overall, an authoritative reference that is readily accessible to the lay person. Author of Adjust Your Brain: A Practical Theory for Maximizing Mental Health.

A couple months ago I purchased the 18th edition of the Merck Manual. I absolutely love it. It's a great reference book for any MT. The book is well written, well organized, and full of information. It's a great book for signs and symptoms, etiologies, etc. As far as I have noticed it is very thorough. It was definitely money well spent. I love it!

This product came quick and well packaged. It was sealed well and then packaged in a sturdy cardboard box. It arrived in perfect condition.

is easy to understand all the condition very quick... you have also picture to help you... really it's a great medical reference to use.

I ordered this book to be shipped to Puerto Rico. Was told that it would be there by 06/25. Still don't have it. According to Amazon's online tracking the book arrived in Puerto Rico yesterday but still has not been delivered. Customer service tells me that it was shipped via ParcelPool. I made an inquiry at ParcelPool and was told that they work "in partnership" with the US Postal Service. The representative told me that the EARLIEST that we will get delivery of this book will be on Thursday!! Explain to me how that is considered 06/25 delivery and how on earth anyone would consider that good customer service!!!!

UPDATE 06/27/07: STILL NO BOOK!!

I ordered this book to be shipped to Puerto Rico. Was told that it would be there by 06/25. Still don't have it. According to Amazon's online tracking the book arrived in Puerto Rico yesterday but still has not been delivered. Customer service tells me that it was shipped via ParcelPool. I made an inquiry at ParcelPool and was told that they work "in partnership" with the US Postal Service. The representative told me that the EARLIEST that we will get delivery of this book will be on Thursday!! Explain to me how that is considered 06/25 delivery and how on earth anyone would consider that good customer service!!!!

The Merck Manual 18th Edition
I have been in the medical field for 50 years, but this is my favorite textbook - I always get the new edition when it becomes available. This book has something about every possible diagnosis - I wouldn't be without it.

From a medical standpoint, this is a good medical reference book. It summarizes the diagnosis and treatment of all major conditions. We are a medical family and cannot live without current edition of this book. I have called the book "my hypochondriac book" considering it lists all the symptoms in such vivid detail.

I am a medical editor and I find the Merck Manual very, very helpful in my profession. The new one tht I just received has so much information that I use on a daily basis. It is one of the best medical information books that I have in my library.

Not too much to say except that if you need to learn about medical conditions, pathophysiology, aetiologies, treatments and prognoses, then this is perhaps the best way to get started. Not recommended for the home user since it is aimed at those with some medical knowledge / training; the student nurse for example would find this book invaluable as an adjunct to papers on altered health states & pathophys. It also makes very interesting casual reading for those interested in health care, disease processes and treatment.

Highly recommended.

The Merck Manual is a handbook which covers a very broad area of therapeutic knowledge. It is actually an abbreviated textbook of internal medicine and so contains a large amount of medical information which flies over the heads of general readers. But as a resource for professionals who can't carry around the weight of a stack of full sized textbooks it is highly readable and well organized.

If one is looking for compiled manufacturer information similar to package inserts (primarily for the newer meds), the 2007 Physicians' Desk Reference (Physicians' Desk Reference (Pdr)) is the needed sourcebook. The Merck Manual has some of this information but it is buried amongst other unrelated facts and is not explained to the same depth as in the PDR.

The Merck Manual is a handbook which covers a very broad area of therapeutic knowledge. It is actually an abbreviated textbook of internal medicine and so contains a large amount of medical information which flies over the heads of general readers. But as a resource for professionals who can't carry around the weight of a stack of full sized textbooks it is highly readable and well organized.

If one is looking for compiled manufacturer information similar to package inserts (primarily for the newer meds), the PDR is the needed sourcebook. The Merck Manual has some of this information but it is buried amongst other unrelated facts and is not explained to the same depth which as the PDR.

The Merck Manual is a handbook which covers a very broad area of therapeutic knowledge. If one is looking for compiled manufacturer information similar to package inserts (primarily for the newer meds), the PDR is the needed sourcebook.

It was a gift for my niece, who is a medical student, so she should be a better judge. She asked for the book, so it must be useful for her.

The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, 18th Edition One needs to read this and Merk Physicians' Desk Reference with thoughtfulness, an open mind for learning, and a cautionary attitude knowing that not all information on any topic is entirely relavant to your concern. The PDR,to me,is least useful as other drug descriptions are avaiable if one is concerned with relative few medications. The MMD&T has been a reliable source in my family from before the 4th Edition in 1950. My father was a physician and more than likely started with the 1st Edition years earlier. You should also have access to a medical dictionary as many words/names are relatively unknown to the lay reader. Knowing one word sometimes is the key to understanding the whole presentation in it's proper light. Pray for leading and patience to understand and this technical reference will be of great beneifit. My dad lived to be over 99 and I'm on my way to 82.

I'm in nursing school and an M.D. recommended I get this manual. It is a life saver. This manual is produced for physicians, however, it is an invaluable reference for nurses as well. I got it to augment my critical thinking skills and it goes every where with me. The manual has an abundance of information packed into its small size, making it a wonderful, carry-along medical reference cyclopedia.

I love this book and wait for years for each new edition to come out. It's really comprehensive, compact yet concise and has up to date info on most diseases and disorders. It's right there on my nightstand, next to my Bible.

THIS BOOK IS WONDERFUL!! IT HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL IN MY CLASSES THIS SEMESTER.

Definitive and great. Cannot complain. Will say though that it would be more convenient if the print was larger for those who have vision problems.

The Merck Manual has long been a favorite of mine for it's concise, brief, and pithy review of disease states and therapies. It's a great starting point when confronted with cases that you need that quick and eloquent review for.

I got my first Merck Manual as a gift from my mother who had used it through out her career, I found it absolutely vital to getting through med school. But it became even more important during residency as a resource that never let me down when I needed information at 2 in the morning as to how to manage a patient, When I entered practice it continued to be on my desk and used almost daily. This one was bought for my niece who has started in Med school this year. I hope it is half as useful for her as it has been for me.

It is a complete How To resource in up to date medical practice. It contains enough background information so that you know what is going on without flooding you with obscure data. It would be a bargin at several times the price. If one had to pick the one medical text to have on a desert island, this is the one.

My father bought and read this book, here in Brazil.This book book is an excellent choice.About blood pressure, this book is excellent.
Merck manual of Diagnosis and Therapy remains, the best choice, about this subject.Health is among the most important things in our lifes.
My father is a doctor since 1950 decade.Even after so many edictions, this book remais excellent and usefull.Even if aren't a doctor, this book has many uses.

This is the ultimate clinical reference manual. The medical information is surprisingly easy to understand. A must have around the house.

I got tired of wading through most of my nursing texts trying to find decent explanations of pathophysiology, clinical signs, and treatment. When I got this book I was in awe! Extremely well organized and easy to find the content you're looking for without having to jump to the index. This book has given me a much better understanding of the conditions I've encountered than I was ever able to find in my 50+ pounds of nursing text...

Very good reference book for an educated reader, but not good enough to serve as a physcian's reference book.

A great medical reference book that has been around forever- however its probably more for medical professionals though than the lay person as the language can get a bit complicated- check out the home version if you're non-medical.

Author of
THE TRUTH
ABOUT CAFFEINE

If a doctor gives me or someone else I know a diagnosis, I can look it up in the Manual and get a straightforward, detailed writeup about it. I always use it in conjunction with a doctor.