Stop Press! In February 2004, Davidson became a 'living book' with all purchasers receiving free access to the complete online version at website named davidsonmedicine.com and also as part of website named studentconsult.com. Davidson's Principles & Practice of Medicine is an internationally famous and best-selling textbook of general (or internal) medicine, renowned for providing a rational and easily understood basis for the practice of clinical medicine. Since it was first published this comprehensive text has met the requirements of several generations of medical students preparing for their examinations, while serving as a valuable reference for doctors in training. The publication of the nineteenth edition marks the fiftieth anniversary of the first publication of the book, during which time over 2,000,000 copies have been sold. Medicine is the most dynamic of biological disciplines; while the basic principles remain unaltered, current practice is undergoing exponential change. This new edition of Davidson's Principles & Practice of Medicine, aims to reflect this transformation, whilst at the same time continuing the tradition of providing a concise, yet up-to-date and comprehensive text on clinical medicine. Many doctors preparing for postgraduate qualifications such as the MRCP value Davidson as a core text, while for a large number of general practitioners, nurses, pharmacists and other health-care professionals Davidson has proven to be an easy-to-use reference source. This truly international textbook has a large following of medical students and doctors all around the globe; their numerous comments have helped shape the development of the book over 50 years. In this latest edition, the formation of the International Advisory Board, a panel of 27 distinguished academics and clinicians from 12 countries, has led to significant input to the content of the book ensuring that Davidson maintains its international perspective and world-wide reputation.