Ferrara (The Writers Directory) has expanded the focus of this four-volume set to cater to adult readers (the previous edition was written for teens), with almost 90 new subjects and a total of 400 diseases and conditions. New entries cover, e.g., caffeine-related disorders, SARS, Internet-addiction disorders, public health issues such as chemical poisoning, and general topics such as gay, lesbian, and transgender health. The entries include a brief definition and the phonetic spelling of the term and cover what the disease or condition is and its prevalence, etiology, symptoms, and prevention and treatment. Some entries begin with a brief story about someone who has the disease, and each ends with a list of relevant resources of articles, books, web sites, or health organizations, as well as cross-references.
The illustrations are in color, as are term definitions in the margins. This edition also has three features that do not appear in the 2000 edition: a bibliography, a glossary, and a list of organizations. The articles and books included as resources are geared toward both consumers and professionals and cover a wide range of reading levels. The entries are accessible to patrons from a high school reading level and above, and the colorful display adds appeal. BOTTOM LINE Libraries who own the first edition and its supplements should consider purchasing this expanded version. Libraries may also want to consider Magill's Medical Guide. Readers who want more specific information should look to Omnigraphics' "Health Reference" series or the Facts On File reference books. Recommended for public libraries.—Rebecca Raszewski, Univ. of Illinois at Chicago Lib.
Volume 1
- Abscesses
- Acne
- Addiction
- Addison's Disease
- Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum
etc.
Volume 2
- Feafness and Hearing Loss
- Death and Dying
- Delirium
- Delusions, Delusional Disorders, and Paranoia
- Dementia
etc.
Volume 3
- Jaundice
- Jet Lag
- Kawasaki Disease
- Kidney Cancer
- Kidney Disease
etc.
Volume 4
- Salmonellosis
- Sarcoma
- Scabies
- Scarlet Fever
- Schistosomiasis
etc.