In his preface to this volume, the author states that it is largely a presentation of his own experiences during 35 years of practice and teaching, emphasizing bedside diagnosis and treatment. This personal touch is noticeable throughout the book, as it is written informally, in an almost conversational style.
There is, however, nothing in the plan of presentation of the subject matter that could facilitate differential diagnosis. The grouping of diseases is identical with that used in most standard textbooks of medicine. Some important diseases are omitted or neglected. For example, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is given only two lines,