This third edition of the Beecham Manual has its origins in a manual
produced by Selwyn Carson for his general practice in Christchurch, New
Zealand. He produced loose-leaf sets of instructions for his practice
team and colleagues. Beecham Research Laboratories of New Zealand did a
great service for the medical profession by publishing and distributing
Dr Carson's manual there. The British version of the Beecham Manual had
different objectives. The vocational training programme needed basic
resources and the British Manual was created as an easy to read
reference book on common prob- lems and methods in general practice. The
first and second editions met with enthusiastic approval from princi-
pals, trainers and trainees. This third edition follows the same general
format but has been completely revised and updated and includes many new
additions. The five sections are: o planned care of definable population
and other groups o principles of teaching and learning o emergencies and
their management o psychiatry o clinical care of common conditions We
have kept to simple, clear and brief presentations of our conjoint views
based on our experiences in our own practices. We dedicate this third
edition to our colleagues involved in caring, learning and teaching.
They may not agree with us completely but we hope that we will make them
consider our suggestions and use them for thought, debate and
discussion. We hope also that it will be used as a work book for the
whole practice team.
