The Quotable Osler.

The Quotable Osler

Mark E. Silverman, MD, MACP, T. Jock Murray, OC, MD, MACP, and Charles S. Bryan, MD, FACP, editors. Philadelphia: American College of Physicians, 2003. 320 pages. $30.00. ISBN 1-930513-34-8.

The practice of medicine has changed significantly during the past few decades. The enormous increase in the corpus of knowledge makes it virtually impossible for any one physician to be fully knowledgeable about all aspects of one's primary specialty. Objective, sophisticated tests with high specificity and high sensitivity relentlessly replace, rather than complement, subjective clinical acumen and intuition. Algorithms and guidelines are often used instead of clinical judgment to select a treatment strategy. The art of medicine is steadily sacrificed on the altar of evidence-based data, and the practice of medicine is becoming more of a science and less than an art. One may therefore wonder what is the use of having a book containing a compilation of quotes from a clinician who practiced mostly in the 19th century and died in 1919, before the discovery of the electrocardiogram, computed tomographic scans, magnetic resonance imaging, and even antibiotics. Could such a physician contribute anything to today's practice of medicine?

The enduring contribution of Sir William Osler is not in the realm of medical science but rather medical education and the clinician's role in society. It must nevertheless be emphasized that Osler's description of various diseases is refreshing to read even today, not only because of the eloquent style but especially as it often includes references to the humanities. Osler was not only extremely well read but able to incorporate the humanities intimately into his teachings.

The Quotable Osler provides a compilation of quotations of Osler the clinician, teacher, and philosopher--in other words, the exemplar par excellence of the physician and the healer, not only of the body but also of the mind, and not only of the patient but also of the caregiver, as well as of the physician as an important member of society. The book has approximately 320 pages. It is divided into nine sections, each listing quotations in different areas: personal qualities, the art and practice of medicine, the medical profession, diagnosis, disease, specific illnesses, lifestyle, drugs, medical education, men, women, aging and history, science and truth, faith, religion, melancholy, and death. Each quotation is fully referenced. An index facilitates finding specific quotes. In addition, the first 35 pages provide a referenced over-view of Osler's life. The book is easy to read, and finding specific references is simple.

The book should appeal to all health care professionals and students, because it contains advice from a seasoned clinical educator. The book also can be a useful resource for teachers in the health care professions as well as authors and lecturers who may wish to use a quotation to emphasize a particular point. The book would be an ideal gift for freshman as well as graduating medical or nursing students. It also is a valuable resource for anyone in the health care profession. I plan to keep my copy in a readily accessible place and strongly recommend it to readers.

Ronald C. Hamdy, MD

Editor