An index of differential diagnosis of main symptoms

First published in 1912 by John Wright & Sons, this foundational medical reference was edited by Sir Herbert French, a prominent physician at Guy's Hospital in London. The work was conceived as a clinical tool to assist practitioners in navigating the diagnostic process by prioritizing symptoms over specific diseases, a radical shift from the traditional textbook approach of cataloging conditions by organ system.

The volume was designed with a focus on logical categorization, relying on detailed indices to help clinicians synthesize complex patient presentations. Its reception was overwhelmingly positive among the medical community of the early 20th century, cementing its status as a standard reference that would see numerous editions and revisions over several decades to keep pace with evolving medical science.