Essentials of Rubin’s pathology

As in previous editions of this text, we continue to view pathology as the medical science that deals with all aspects of disease, but with special reference to the essential nature, the causes and the development of abnormal conditions. In this sense, literacy in pathology is the bedrock of practice and research for the student of medical science. Thus, wherever possible we have related pathologic changes to clinical manifestations of disease. General pathology emphasizes the towering achievements in the study of cell and molecular biology, biochemistry and immunology, all of which are related to the contemporary understanding of the pathogenesis of disease.
Although systemic pathology is concerned principally with the description of specific maladies, the concepts detailed in general pathology are utilized to explain their underlying
causes. In this approach, we are mindful of the admonition of Edmond Halley (1687): “Truth being uniform, and always the same, it is admirable to observe how easily we are enabled to make out very abstruse and diffi cult matters, when once true and genuine Principles are obtained. ”Particular attention continues to be paid throughout to the impact of molecular genetics on our insights into the causes and manifestations of disease, including the correlations between genotype and phenotypic expression. For reference purposes, we have identified many of the relevant gene mutations and their chromosomal locations. In his treatise On the Natural Faculties, Galen wrote, “the chief merit of language is
clearness, and we know that nothing detracts from this as do unfamiliar terms.” In this context, we emphasize important concepts by incorporating short declarative sentences into
secondary headings. We continue with the format of designating for individual diseases separate sections of epidemiology, pathogenesis, pathology and clinical features—each identified by a unique icon. Attention is often directed to the key points by the use of bulleted lists and boldface type.