Why another dermatology text? In 1973, when Drs. Nasemann and Sauerbrey
wrote the introduction to the first edition of Haut- krankheiten und
venerische Infektionen. they addressed this question. They promised
their book would be concise and profusely illustrated to best teach the
fundamentals of dermatology. The German text, now in its fourth edition,
has been widely successful. In undertaking an American revised
translation of their work, it was my hope to meet a need in the
English-language literature similar to that met by the German text. I
believe that both students and non- dermatologic physicians will find
this volume a useful introduction to the art and science of treating
skin disorders. The practice of dermatology differs from country to
country. This text is therefore not simply a translation, but an
adaptation that incorporates much new material. In the pages that
follow, I have built on the successful framework of the German text,
incorporating its excellent photographs and other teaching aids.
Discussion of therapy has been extensively revised to reflect current
practice in the United States. Original chapters on male infertility and
proctology (two dermatologic domains in Germany) are not included in
this book. They have been replaced by wholly new chapters on cutaneous
surgery and tropical dermatology. We are grateful to Ronald G. Wheeland,
M.D., for contributing the surgical chapter.
