Preface

The first ‘boke’ of paediatrics printed in English was written by Thomas Phaire (1510–1560), a man from East Anglia who studied medicine at Oxford University. The book had 56 pages, measured 3 7/8 inches (9.8cm) by 2 5/8 inches (6.7cm), and covered ‘… innumerable passions & diseases, wherunto the bodye of man is subiecte, and as well moste commonly the tender age of chyldren is chefely vexed and greued with these diseases folowyng. Apostume of the brayne, swellyng of the head …’.¹ In 1553, the ‘innumerable passions & diseases’ came to 39 presenting clinical problems. As clinicians, we first met and worked in the heart of East Anglia (Cambridge University) and have now collaborated with Oxford University Press in this venture, a new handbook of paediatrics. Our similarity with Thomas Phaire has not escaped us, particularly as we see the importance of basing a text on common presenting clinical problems.

Our principal aim is to provide a compact source of information and clinical thinking that can be used in the clinic or hospital ward, at a time when the child is being seen. The challenge, therefore, was to distil the content of information found in several textbooks into a conveniently sized handbook without the loss of important information. We easily reached the limit in pages given to us, and so we have had to be strict in sifting out key facts crucial to clinical practice. Our intention is that the handbook be used from the start of one’s education in paediatrics all the way through to higher general training in the field.

We have kept with the tradition of providing content and text that often exceeds that required by the generalist—we believe it important for learners and readers to see the full landscape. There are spaces where more notes can be added from lectures, other reading, and personal experience. This is intended. It means that the handbook can be made personal, develop with you, and be used in whatever your chosen practice— hospitalist, generalist, or community and family practice. Above all, we hope that the handbook will give you confidence to manage paediatric clinical problems effectively and safely.

RCT

RJM

CLA

April 2012