This is the second edition of a full colour reference atlas published first to excellent reviews in 1994. Every renal unit needs to have a reference text of this kind and urine microscopy is an important diagnostic aid in nephrology. After the 'Historical Introduction' by J Stewart Cameron, chapter 1 descibes the methods used to prepare and analyse the urine samples. Chapter 2, which is the most important section of the book, describes with the help of 249 illustrations (over 200 in full colour) the elements of the urinary sediment. Chapter 3 deals with the urinary sediment of the normal subject, while chapter 4 deals with the urinary changes which are observed in the main diseases of the kidney and urinary tract. Chapter 5 describes the changes of the urinary sediment caused by drugs. Chapter 6 is about the interpretation of the urinary findings shown in the previous chapters. Chapter 7 covers the new systems to analyse the urinary sediments. An appendix shows how to adjust the microscope to analyse the urine specimens. The primary audience is practising nephrologists and nephrologists in training, and also those in internal medicine rotating through the renal unit who perform routinely the analysis of the urinary sediment. Clinical pathologists would also find this an attractive and useful book. The illustrations are outstanding and additional clinical information has been added in this new edition. From review from the Lancet of the first edition in comparison with a competing title: 'Every nephrologist knows and teaches that urine microscopy is an important diagnostic aid. What has been urgently needed is a colour guide to the subject.....I preferred the pictures in the European book. They were of high quality, not repetitive and with clear legends...if I wanted to teach myself.. then the European book was well ahead. The latter is also accompanied by an elegant introductory essay by JS Cameron on the history of urine analysis. Every renal unit needs at least one of these books.' The Lancet
