Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease

	reviewed in: Advances in Anatomic Pathology Volume 12 (2), March 2005

Full Text

The previous editions: Since 1974, pupils and practitioners of anatomic pathology have turned to successive editions of this best-selling classic for current and coherent information.

The new edition: Now in its 7th reincarnation, this book features three new editors: Kumar, Fausto, and Abbas. This trio and their team of 25 contributors have met the daunting challenge of not only preserving but also building upon the illustrious legacy of the two previous editors. Deservedly, the latters' names have now been integrated into the title.

What has not changed? By design, the book stays a student text-for use in medical school and beyond. Despite its humble goal, it continues to exude authority from every page. As before, the uninitiated will find the material to be simple and direct (eg, MI, also known as 'heart attack,' is the death of cardiac muscle resulting from ischemia). Clinical correlations, informative illustrations, and detailed diagrams continue to adorn the text. This edition will appeal, as never before, to the aesthetic (and economic) sensibilities of its readers.

What has changed? Much of the book has been reworked. The emphases appear to be on target (eg, AIDS now spans 15 pages, and there is even a section on bioterrorism). Advances in cellular and subcellular pathology emerge almost at every turn of the page. The book nurtures via other means as well: An intuitively navigable CD-ROM with 99 interactive clinical case studies is enclosed. The book is also available on-line (a pass code appears beneath a scratch-off sticker on the inside front cover of each book). Once on-line, the reader can search the text, view references, and obtain updates.

Bottom line: This edition of the book is bound to retain its standing as the definitive source for learning, or relearning, the principles of the pathologic basis of disease.