Clinical Index

Abstract

Writers and publishers assume that an index is essential, if a medical textbook is to be of real value to its readers. Unfortunately, this is not always true. A typical index, such as the one at the end of this book, is only of use if the reader knows the name of the condition, about which he or she wishes to read. The majority of doctors who, for the first time, see in their clinical practice a case of porokeratosis of Mibelli or lichen sclerosus et atrophicus will, if they do not know its name, be reduced to an aimless leafing through the pages in the hope that the volume will include a photograph that looks something like the condition they have just seen on their patient. If a photograph is not present, the reader may be compelled to read the entire text before realizing that the disease in question is not included.