Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, referred to as

The Merck Manual,[1] is the world's best-selling medical
textbook,[2] and the oldest continuously published English
language medical textbook.[3] First published in 1899, the
current print edition of the book, the 19th Edition, was
published in July 2011. In 2014, Merck decided to move The
Merck Manual to digital-only, online publication, available in
both Professional (http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional)
and Consumer (http://www.merckmanuals.com/home) versions.
However, in 2017 Merck stated they were reversing this
decision and would publish a 20th Edition in print format in
2018.[4] The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy is one of
several medical textbooks, collectively known as The Merck
Manuals, which are published by Merck Publishing,[5] a
subsidiary of the pharmaceutical company Merck Co., Inc. in
the United States and Canada, and MSD (as The MSD
Manuals) in other countries in the world. Merck also formerly
published The Merck Index, An Encyclopedia of Chemicals,
Drugs, and Biologicals.

Contents
Coverpage of facsimile edition of
1899 Merck's Manual of the
1 History and editions Materia Medica
1.1 Print editions of The Merck Manual
2 Content
2.1 Medical topic sections (online edition)
3 Awards and recognition
4 Other Merck manuals
4.1 The Merck Manual of Geriatrics
4.2 The Merck Manual of Patient Symptoms
5 Consumer Editions
5.1 The Merck Manual of Medical Information
Home Edition
5.2 The Merck Manual of Women's and Men's
Health
5.3 The Merck Manual of Health & Aging
6 Veterinary Medicine
6.1 The Merck Veterinary Manual
6.2 Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health, (Home
Edition)
7 Notes
8 See also
9 References
10 External links
History and editions
The first edition of The Merck Manual was published in 1899 by Merck & Co., Inc. for physicians
and pharmacists and was titled Mercks Manual of the Materia Medica.[6][7] The 192 page book
which sold for US $1.00, was divided into three sections, Part I (Materia Medica) was an
alphabetical listing of all known compounds thought to be of therapeutic value with uses and
doses; Part II (Therapeutic Indications) was an alphabetical compendium of symptoms, signs,
and diseases with a list of all known treatments; and Part III (Classification of Medicaments (sic)
According to their Physiologic Actions) was a listing of therapeutic agents according to their
method of action or drug classification.[3] Many of the terms used are now considered archaic,
such as abasia, astasia, errhines and rubefacients - sternutatories, and many of the agents listed
are now not considered to be standard therapeutic agents but were considered useful at the
time, including poisonous compounds such as mercury, lead, strychnine and arsenic. There were
108 remedies listed for indigestion (dyspepsia), including alcohol, arsenic, cocaine, gold chloride,
mercury, morphine, nux vomica, opium, silver nitrate, strychnine, and Turkish baths (for malaise
after dining out).[7]:118 Bismuth, calcium, magnesium salts were also on the list, which are
ingredients found in many modern gastrointestinal treatments available today. Arsenic was
recommended for over 100 illnesses including anemia, diarrhea, hydrophobia, elephantiasis, and
impotence. The formulas include aletris cordial, a uterine tonic and restorative, which
contained aletris farinosa or True Unicorn combined with aromatics.[7]:15 The manufacturer, Rio
Chemicals of St. Louis was clear to differentiate the inclusion of true unicorn rather than false
unicorn in its preparation.[8] [a]

The earliest versions did contain drugs that are still in use today for the same purposes, for
example digitalis for heart failure;,[7]:90[11] :166 salicylates for headache [11]:166 rheumatism [11]:225
and fever,[7]:124[11]:227 nitroglycerin for cardiac angina pectoris;,[7]:88 and bismuth salicylate for
diarrhea [7]:114

Merck also began publishing Mercks Archives of the Materia Medica, a monthly journal
consisting of papers related to drugs and uses, which was available for an annual subscription of
US $1.00.[7][11]

The second edition of The Merck Manual was published in 1901, was
expanded to 282 pages and included a new sections on poisons and
antidotes, tables and conversion charts, and a detailed explanation of the
metric system.[11]

The 5th edition, published in 1923 was delayed due to paper shortages
caused by World War I, and the release of the 6th edition was delayed until
1934 due to the Stock Market Crash. The editor of that edition, Dr. M. R.
Dinkelspiel had overseen the growth and reorganization of the Manual to
discuss specific diseases, diagnosis and treatment options, and external
specialists reviewed each section. The 8th edition of the Manual was delayed
by World War II until 1950. The 13th edition, released in 1977 was the first
time the textbook was produced using magnetic tape and IBM punch cards, the previous version
having been typed on a manual typewriter. The Centennial (17th) Edition published in 1999
included a separate facsimile version of the 1899 1st edition.[3]: 113

It is reported that both Admiral Richard E. Byrd took the book with him on his expedition to the
South Pole in 1929 and Albert Schweitzer had a copy of The Merck Manual with him at his
hospital mission in Africa in 1913.[6][12]

The recommended doses given in Part 1 of 1901 edition of The Manual were for adults when
given by mouth. It included the following dose adjustment recommendations:
 The DOSES, unless otherwise stated, are for adults and per os. To determine the
dose for children, add 12 to the age, and divide by the age; 1 divided by the result
represents the fraction of the adult dose suitable for the child. For example, a child
three years old will require

of the adult dose. Of powerful narcotics, children will require scarcely more than
one-half of this proportion. Children bear opiates poorly; while they stand
comparatively large doses of arsenic, belladonna, ipecac, mercurials, pilocarpine,
rhubarb and some other purgatives, and squill. For hypodermic injection the dose
is ordinarily about one-half of that given.[11]:7
Merck's Manual of the Materia Medica., 1901

Print editions of The Merck Manual

1. 1899
2. 1901
3. 1905
4. 1911
5. 1923
6. 1934
7. 1940
8. 1950
9. 1956
10. 1961
11. 1966
12. 1972
13. 1977
14. 1982
15. 1984
16. 1992 (2 million copies sold)
17. 1999 (Centennial Edition)
18. 2006
19. 2011 (current print edition)

Content
The Merck Manual is organized, like many internal medicine textbooks, into organ systems (see
List of Medical Topics below) which discuss each major diseases of that system, covering
diagnosis (signs, symptoms, tests), prognosis and treatment. It provides a comprehensive yet
concise compendium of medical knowledge into about 3500 pages, by emphasizing practical
information of use to a practicing physician. In addition to 24 sections covering medical topics, it
includes a pharmacology section listing drugs by generic and brand name, a list of drug
interactions and a pill identifier, a News and Commentary section, videos on procedures and
examination techniques, quizzes and case histories, clinical calculators, conversion tables and
examination techniques, quizzes and case histories, clinical calculators, conversion tables and
other resources.[13] The text is characterized by the combination of conciseness, completeness,
and being up-to-date. It is updated continuously by an independent editorial board and over 300
peer reviewers that contribute to the textbook, which goes through an average of 10 revisions by
both internal and external reviewers before publication. The internal editorial staff consists of 4
physician reviews, one executive editor and 4 non-medical lay editors.[3] The latest version has
been translated into 17 languages. In addition to the online version, The Merck Manual
Professional Edition is also available as a mobile app in both iOS and Android platforms,[6]
produced by Unbound Medicine, Inc.[14]

Medical topic sections (online edition)

K1. Cardiovascular Disorders 2. Clinical Pharmacology 3. Critical Care Medicine 4. Dental Disorders
5. Dermatological Disorders 6. Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders 7. Endocrine and Metabolic
Disorders 8. Eye Disorders 9. Gastrointestinal Disorders 10. Genitourinary Disorders 11. Geriatrics
12. Gynecology and Obstetrics 13. Hematology and Oncology 14. Hepatic and Biliary Disorders
15. Immunology; Allergic Disorders 16. Infectious Diseases 17. Injuries; Poisoning 18.
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders 19. Neurologic Disorders 20. Nutritional
Disorders 21. Pediatrics 22. Psychiatric Disorders 23. Pulmonary Disorders 24. Special Subjects

Awards and recognition

The Merck Manual was listed in the 2003 Brandon Hill "Selected List of Books and Journals for
the Small Medical Library" as a recommended medical textbook for diagnosis, geriatrics, and
patient education.[15]

The Merck Manuals were awarded five 2015 eHealthcare Leadership Awards including a Gold
Award for Best Healthcare Content for Professionals and a Distinction Award: Best Overall
Healthcare Site, Consumer [16] at the Nineteenth Annual Healthcare Internet Conference held in
November 2015 in Orlando, FL.[17]

Merck Publishing offers resources for The Merck Manual Award provided annually to
outstanding medical students. The qualifications for the award are determined by each medical
school.[18] Medical schools that give this award include University of North Carolina School of
Medicine, University of Central Florida School of Medicine and the University of Illinois School of
Medicine.

Other Merck manuals

The Merck Manual of Geriatrics
First published in 1990, sections of The Merck Manual were made into a separate volume dealing
with diseases and management of illnesses in the elderly. It has gone through 3 print editions,
the last version published in 2000.[19] Since the transition of The Merck Manual in 2015 to a web
only based version, the Manual of Geriatrics is accessible through the Professional and Consumer
portals of the online text.[20] A search engine on the Merck Manual site allows searches limited to
the contents of The Merck Manual of Geriatrics.[21]

The Merck Manual of Patient Symptoms

The Merck Manual of Patient Symptoms is a concise, pocket size reference guide intended for
The Merck Manual of Patient Symptoms is a concise, pocket size reference guide intended for
medical students and allied health care professionals in training. It covers symptoms, diagnosis
and treatment.[22]

Consumer Editions
The Merck Manual of Medical Information Home Edition
The Merck Manual of Medical Information Home Edition was published in 1997 and was a re-
edited version of the Professional version using less technical language intended for patients,
caregivers and people interested in medical topics without training in health fields. This edition
sold over 2 million copies. The Second Home Edition was released in 2003, and the third edition
was published in 2009 as The Merck Manual Home Health Handbook, and sold over 4 million
copies.[23] Since 2015 the Consumer version content is available only via the online Merck
Manual website.[24] A condensed consumer oriented version was published at The Merck
Manual Go-To Home Guide for Symptoms in 2013.[25]
The Merck Manual of Women's and Men's Health
In 2014, The Second Home Edition was extracted from the Professional version of The Manual
and published as The Merck Manual of Women's and Men's Health [26][27]

The Merck Manual of Health & Aging

A consumer version ofThe Merck Manual of Geriatrics was released in print in 2004 as The
Merck Manual of Health & Aging, which included information on aging and the care of older
people in non-technical language for the public. The content was incorporated into the
Consumer version of the online Merck Manual in 2015.[3][28]

Veterinary Medicine
The Merck Veterinary Manual
The Merck Veterinary Manual[29] has been published since 1955 for professional veterinarians and
other professionals in the veterinary field. It is the most widely used veterinary medicine
textbook.[30] It is still published in a print version[31] and the 11th edition is scheduled for release
on July 12, 2016.[32] The Merck Veterinary Manual has been translated into 7 languages, including
Croatian, French, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Romanian and Spanish.[33] It is also available as a
mobile app in both iOS and Android platforms, as well as an online version.[34]

Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health, (Home Edition)

A consumer version written in non-technical language as a joint publication between Merck and
Merial released as the Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health, (Home Edition) was first published in
2007.[35] ISBN 978-0911910995. A consumer oriented version of the Merck Veterinary Manual is
available online as the Pet Health Edition [36]

Notes
a. The root of the Aletris farinosa is an alternative herbal remedy used as for digestive
problems, and for relief of gynecologic disorders.[9][10] Modern preparations are not known
to contain any mythical creatures.
 to contain any mythical creatures.

See also
The Merck Index

References
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out-the-merck-manuals). Merck Manuals - Professional Version. Retrieved 21 May 2016.
2. Planes, Alex (29 April 2014). "Here's What You Don't Know About Merck & Co. Inc." (http://
www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/04/29/heres-what-you-dont-know-about-merck-co-in
c-todays.aspx). The Motley Fool. Retrieved 21 May 2016.
3. Lane, Keryn AG; Berkow, Robert (1999). "The Merck Manual: A Century of Medical
Publishing and Practice" (http://www.councilscienceeditors.org/wp-content/uploads/v22n4p1
12-113.pdf) (PDF). CBE Views. Council of Science Editors. 22 (4): 112113. Retrieved 21 May
2016.
4. "Merck Manual Facebook page" (https://www.facebook.com/MerckManual/photos/a.426222
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and a classification of medicaments. New York, Chicago: Merck & Co., 1899 (https://archive.
org/details/mercksmanualofma00newy)
8. An index of diseases in which Aletris Cordial has been found useful. (http://digital.tcl.sc.edu/
cdm/ref/collection/med/id/5874) (USC School of Medicine Digital Collections ed.). St. Louis,
MO: Rio Chemical Co. 1890. p.1.
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aletris.html). www.drugs.com. Retrieved 21 May 2016.
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vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-605-aletris.aspx?activeingredientid=605&activeingred
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11. Merck's 1901 Manual of the Materia Medica - A Ready-Reference Pocket Book for the
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12. Ross, Marvin (11 November 2013). "Don't Be Too Quick to Praise This New Treatment" (htt
p://www.huffingtonpost.ca/marvin-ross/schizophrenia-treatment_b_4254350.html). The
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p-awards). www.strategichealthcare.com. Retrieved 21 May 2016.

18. "Students, faculty honored at School of Medicine commencement News Room - UNC
 18. "Students, faculty honored at School of Medicine commencement News Room - UNC
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19. Beers, Mark H.; Berkow, Robert (2000). The Merck Manual of Geriatrics (3rd ed.). Whitehouse
Station, N.J.: Merck Research Laboratories. ISBN978-0911910889.
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alvet-translations.htm). www.merckvetmanual.com. Retrieved 21 May 2016.
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External links
Merck Manuals (http://www.merckmanuals.com/) full text online
Professional edition (http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/index.html)
Home edition (http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/index.html)
Merck Manual Mobile Apps (http://www.merckmanuals.com/mobile.html)

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