Book excerpt: Beautifully illustrated, 'Chamberlain's Symptoms and Signs' is well established as the classic book on the observation of symptoms and signs for medical students and trainee physicians. The 12th edition builds on the strengths of this key title, bringing it fully up to date. All the material has been extensively revised, new chapters on the elderly, psychiatry and death have been introduced, and additional artwork has been incorporated throughout. As a foundation to a successful career in clinical medicine every physician needs to be able to establish a good rapport with the patient, accurately record all presenting symptoms and signs, and finally make an accurate diagnosis. The sequence of events and the thought-processes involved eventually become second nature, but the learning process is vital in ensuring the development of these skills. (Don't use this on cat)