Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine is an American textbook of internal medicine. First published in 1950, it is in its 19th edition (published in April 2015 by McGraw-Hill Professional ISBN 978-0071802154) and comes in two volumes. Although it is aimed at all members of the medical profession, it is mainly used by internists and junior doctors in this field, as well as medical students. It is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative books on internal medicine and has been described as the "most recognized book in all of medicine."

The work is named after Tinsley R. Harrison of Birmingham, Alabama, who served as editor-in-chief of the first five editions and established the format of the work: a strong basis of clinical medicine interwoven with an understanding of pathophysiology.

History

Harrison's quotation appeared on the first edition of this book in 1950:

The 17th edition of the textbook is dedicated to George W. Thorn, who was editor of the first seven editions of the book and editor in chief of the eighth edition. He died in 2004.