Carefully constructed, with almost 130 years of continuous publication informing its structure and mode of creation (the first edition was published in 1883), this reference functions at the core of modern medicine. Data is assembled, revised, referenced, cross-checked, edited, proofed, and rechecked in a systematic way. As stated in the preface, the aims are "to summarise clinically useful information on all drugs and medicines around the world; provide accurate, unbiased, reasonably comprehensive and regularly re-evaluated information in a concise format; and provide a lead-in to the published evidence base [from which the information is derived]." Like the most recent previous editions, the 37th is in two volumes, the first of which contains drug monographs, and the second, preparations, manufacturers, and indexes (including a Cyrillic index). Unlike earlier editions, the 37th is being offered solely as a print and online package. Purchasers receive one year's individual access to the online version via MedicinesComplete (updates are every 90 days), plus discounted rates for online access renewal. The reference itself will see a new edition every two years, a speeded-up publication schedule that is obviously necessary to accommodate new information these days. Included are synopses of disease treatments; information that enables identification of medicines, the local equivalent, and the manufacturer; information on herbals, diagnostic agents, radiopharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical excipients, toxins, and poisons, as well as drugs and medicines. Some stats: approximately 6,000 drug monographs, data from 41 countries and regions, 160,000 preparations, and 15,000 manufacturers. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)