The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Second Home Edition Mass Market Paperback – May 1, 2004

I have bought a new one every year for the past ten years. It is technical enough to convey complicated medical information yet still readable by a lunkhead like me. It is always up-to-date and accurate. We even give these away as Christmas gifts. We also buy THE PILL BOOK every years - new meds every year and cautionary tales on old ones.Here is a real life example. To speak indelicately, I found blood in my urine. I read about kidney ailments in the Merck manual, and learned about the usual first sign of kidney cancer - blood in the urine. I rushed to the doctors for ultrasound, CT's, etc as described in the manual. I had kidney cancer, but it was discovered before it had spread. I am still alive, minus my left kidney. Do people who read books generally outlive those who don't? That might be an interesting question.Like I said, it makes a wonderful gift - if the recipient has the smarts to use it. But first someone has to buy it.

I think this could be helpful whenever it's needed. The price couldn't be beat. Full of information and ways to deal with things that come up.

This is a great Medical Reference manual to keep in the home.

A OK

Excellent reference for all medical info. Easy to find the right info. Used frequently. Even bought one for my daughter who has twins. Info is easy to understand also.

Have had this book for years. Wanted an updated version

First a point of clarification: This is NOT a small book, either physically or print size.Secondly: As a medical professional, I can attest that for the lay individual this reference book is probably one of the most well written, concise, thorough and easy to understand medical books everyone should have.This book covers the gamut of medical issues.

Had one that was full sized, I find this not as wide/tall but thicker and easier to store in my first aid kit. The content is quite extensive, I was somewhat surprised when I first got it, which should say something when considering I spent hours researching which medical manual to get for home/work, scoured the reviews on numerous others as well. I would have spent more on this book had I seen it in a store, just glad I didn't have to.