The second edition of this book has undergone a review in all sections; some sections have been rewritten - cardiorespiratory diseases, general surgery, diseases of the nervous system, fractures and orthopaedics, care of the elderly and paediatrics. A new section to cover the management of mental handicap has been included. The book is primarily aimed at the senior student physiotherapist, although the newly qualified may also find it of help as well as those returning to practise after a break of two or three years. It is suggested that readers use this book as they would any set of "notes" - to refresh the memory and "cue" further thought processes. The book is designed as a "aide-memoire" - it is not intended to be used in isolation but in association with books gleaned from the reading lists which can be found at the end of each section.