On the Shoulders of Giants - Names and Eponyms in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (2nd edition)

Few specialties have a longer or richer eponymous background than obstetrics and gynaecology. Eponyms add a human side to an increasingly technical profession in which both the providers and recipients of medical care continue to crave the human touch and are diminished by its absence. This collection provides an introductory profile of some of the more significant and fascinating characters in whose steps we follow. It is not confined to eponyms but includes other notable names in the development of the specialty and several from other specialties whose contributions are relevant to obstetrics and gynaecology.

For each entry, biographical data are provided and the eponym or work for which they are known is outlined with context. Where available, the original and related references are provided. A bibliography of linked references will assist the reader wanting more detailed information on individual subjects.

Fifty-four new entries are included in this second edition bringing the total to 365 names from 33 countries. Considerable information has been added to most of the original names in the first edition. More portraits of individuals and pictures of instruments and techniques are included and there are now more than 380 illustrations in the book.

This book will be of interest to anyone interested in obstetrics and gynaecology and will provide many hours of entertainment: once opened, it is hard to put down.