Book excerpt: Monographs in this series have given the field of cytology an outstanding set of reference works designed to assist the practising cytopathologist in his/her daily diagnostic work. Correlations of clinical and cytological findings, and discussions how innovations in cytology can improve patient diagnosis and management contribute essential information of interest also to clinicians. Readers will find descriptions of techniques offering greater simplicity, speed, patient comfort and cost effectiveness as well as improved diagnostic precision. The immense utility of these texts has resulted in the release of updated second editions of earlier volumes, which continue to meet the popular demand for access to this material.