The Merck Manual, 18th edition, is now available from Merck & Co Inc. The new edition adds such timely topics as bird flu, biological warfare, severe acute respiratory syndrome, metabolic syndrome, and advance directives.

Among the 34 new chapters are ones on nutritional support, the autonomic nervous system, complementary and alternative medicine, the approach to identify the critically ill patient, and dietary supplements. The reference facilitates easy searches via a detailed index, thumb tabs, and new page-specific cross references. The updated version also focuses more on the clinician, with practical, specific recommendations regarding diagnosis and treatment. The Merck Manual retails for $55 and is available at bookstores or by calling 877-438-6643 or visiting www.merck/books.com.