Book excerpt: Over a decade has passed since the original edition of The Clinician's Guide to Dermatologic Differential Diagnosis first came out. This massive two volume, second edition undertaking features over 4,000 new photographs of rare and puzzingly symptoms, 98 new chapters, and presents a complete update on all references and new findings since the original publication. This two volume set is designed to assist in the diagnosis of skin disease by presenting a unique and comprehensive approach to differential diagnosis. Organized alphabetically by physical finding each book in the set is meticulously put together for utility and usability. Volume 1 features a comprehensive list of the variety of physical findings a patient might have. It is the text of the work. Volume 2 serves as the atlas with which to cross reference a physical finding. It includes over 10,000 patient photos and strives to feature the rarer, more difficult to encounter pictures to arm the reader with knowledge beyond the basic. Created purely with the reader in mind, The Clinician's Guide to Dermatologic Differential Diagnosis, 2nd Edition strives to enhance the learning and teaching of differential diagnosis within dermatology. These texts are for the patient that defies diagnosis, going through checklists of diseases ensures that no clue is missed in aiding the patient. The sincere hope is that these companion volumes will be helpful in all clinical setting from medical clinic and other specialty clinics to the Dermatology clinic, from medical students to attendings, and from the nurses to the physicians assistants, whether in the academic setting or in the community environment anywhere in the world.