The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine

This decently organized and executed encyclopedia from editor Longe (senior content developer, Gale) is an extensive work by almost any measure—and certainly fulfills Gale’s intention for it to be a “one-stop source for medical information.” Accessible but authoritative articles cover disorders, conditions, tests, treatments, drugs, and more. Sidebars within pertinent articles discuss figures from the history of medicine, but these individuals are not given dedicated articles of their own. The index is particularly thorough and helpful; the chronology is likewise comprehensive, though curiously it includes no milestones from before the Common Era. Articles are generally well laid out and informative and conclude with further reading and organizations. These lists of resources are appreciated; however, the quality and currency of the featured books, articles, and websites is uneven, with some of the resources over 10 years old. The encyclopedia features more than 850 well-suited photographs and other illustrations, but many articles that would seem obvious candidates for photographs, such as the entry on computed tomography (CT) scans, lack them.