Michael De Swiet – författare

Obstetricians must have a firm grounding in the diagnosis and management of diseases affecting pregnant women as in some cases these may threaten the life of mother or baby or both.

This book still remains the standard reference work on medical disorders in obstetric practice in the UK and UK-influenced areas such as the former Commonwealth. Exhaustive in its coverage, it provides clear practical advice on the major medical disorders the obstetrician is likely to encounter. Each chapter reviews the pathophysiology of a complaint then applies the physiological and pathophysiological changes to the problem of diagnosis and management of the disorder as well as giving clear guidance on the welfare of the unborn One of the major strengths of the book is that each chapter teaches the principles of care and gives an appreciation of the natural history of the disease rather than just the facts. Although a scholarly and rigourous account it manages to point out the clinically relevant information that the practising obstetrician will actually need.

The Royal College of Physicians celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2018, and to observe this landmark is publishing this series of ten books. Each of the books focuses on fifty themed elements that have contributed to making the RCP what it is today, together adding up to 500 reflections on 500 years. Some of the people, ideas, objects and manuscripts featured are directly connected to the College, while others have had an influence that can still be felt in its work.This, the second book in the Reflections series, focuses on the RCP's gardens and their history; important plants and doctors and others involved the gardens' development.