Fritz Spiegl's Sick Notes: An Alphabetical Browsing-Book of Derivatives, Abbreviations, Mnemonics and Slang for Amusement and Edification of Medics, Nurses, Patients and Hypochondriacs

Book excerpt: This dictionary is, in the very best sense, a good read.It explains the meanings and derivations of the medical terms, abbreviations, mnemonics, and slang used by doctors, nurses, and health-care professionals publicly and privately. It defines, for instance, the abbreviations doctors use in writing prescriptions and explains the Latin and Greek derivations of medical terms. The author writes clearly and often humorously, not hesitating to voice his personal opinions. He guides his readers through the world of medical language like a good friend-clarifying, cautioning, and teaching with wit and laughter. About the Author: Fritz Spiegl has written many books, including Dead Funny, The Joy of Words, and The Guinness Book of Musical Blunders (in prep.), and is a popular BBC radio commentator, especially revered for his mastery of the English language.