This book is about the drugs used in the treatment and management of
rheumatic disorders. The term 'therapeutics' used in the title is
intended to mirror the relevance of drugs in the widest sense of the
word. Thus, general principles underlying pharmaceutical and
pharmacological study have been included together with more clinical
matters concerned with applying specific rheumatic problems. The need
for another work on rheumatological drugs in itself, as opposed to the
different approach intended, was prompted by the ever continuing and
bewildering plethora of antirheumatic drugs flooding the market at
present. We believe that such a burgeoning of new preparations is
welcome in an era when in general there are still no 'cures' available.
Moreover, we also feel that a continued update of this rapidly advancing
field is essential, not only for its own sake, but also to place it in
perspective with itself and with neighbouring fields.