The Small and Large Intestine, one of four volumes in this series named the Requisites in Gastroenterology edited by Anil Rustgi of the University of Pennsylvania, provides a refreshing readable overview. While successfully avoiding entrenchment in detailed consideration of the scientific literature, it provides a mainstream viewpoint of the major issues. It is presented in a logical and clear manner aimed at achieving an understanding at a basic level which will provide the reader with a good platform to focus on specific areas with more in depth study. In this series, Rustgi moves away from an account of the substantial gastroenterological literature which often includes clinical trials with apparently contradictory conclusions that may lead to controversies unwanted by the novice. Rather than being expected to weigh up the evidence, the student is more usually interested in the general viewpoint of the main body of experts. This series avoids the comprehensive consideration of the literature often found in the …