This immense tome begins with endorsements by the luminaries of Chinese medicine in the west, a 33 page Table of Contents that reveals the scope of the text, a Foreword by Julian Scott, a Preface by the author, Aknowlegements, a Note on the Translation of Chinese terms, a guide on How to use the book and an innovative Index of symptoms and signs.

The book is organized by Chapters within Sections, Sections within Parts. These begin with Parts explicating the four examinations: Diagnosis by Observation, Diagnosis by Interrogation, Diagnosis by Palpation, Diagnosis by Hearing and Smelling. These are followed by Part 5, which is divided into a section on Symptoms and Signs presented by parts of the body and a section on gynaecological symptoms and signs. Part 6 covers pattern identification in four sections: internal organs; qi, blood and fluids; pathogenic factors, four levels, six stages and three burners; eight principles, twelve channels, eight extraordinary vessels and five elements.

The text concludes with Appendices on Case Histories, Prescriptions, and the History of Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine, a Glossary of Chinese Terms, a Bibliography, Chinese Chronology and Index.

The book is in a compact, modern textbook format that presents a lot of information in a highly accessible manner. The chapters contain not only prose discussions but summary tables, case histories, illustrations. flow charts, term comparisons, and clinical notes. The design is highly innovative to make the book easier to access through type and color differentiations as well as icons and cross references. The use of a second color within the text and the color plates found at the back of text where they can be easily access while reading add a further dimension of convenience and practical comprehension.

This work is an easily accessed and highly illustrated guide to diagnosis in Chinese Medicine. Emphasis is placed on issues and symptoms commonly encountered in clinical practice, and the text focuses on interpreting these signs and symptoms. It is the author's thesis that since Chinese medicine diagnosis relies on a subjective appraisal of the patient.s symptoms and signs - which form a pattern . many factors beyond traditional Western symptoms must be taken into consideration. A subtle appraisal of a patient's disharmony, and a careful interpretation of a range of nuances, will lead the student or practitioner to a successful diagnostic interpretation.

Following is a top-level description of the text content.

Chapters within Diagnosis by Observation include:
Classification of Body Shape, Physique and Demeanor
Observation of the Mind, Spirit and Emotions
Observation of the Complexion and Color
Observation of Body Movement
Observation of the Head, Face and Hair
Observation of the Eyes
Observation of the Nose
Observation of Lips, Mouth, Teeth, Gums and Philtrum
Observation of the Ears
Observation of the Throat and Neck
Observation of the Back
Observation of Women's Breasts
Observation of the Heartbeat
Observation of the Hands
Observation of the Nails
Observation of the Chest and Abdomen
Observation of the Genitalia
Observation of the Four Limbs
Observation of the Legs
Observation of the Excretions
Observation of the Skin
Observation in Children
Tongue Diagnosis
Tongue-Body Color
Tongue-Body Shape
Tongue Coating
Tongue Images and Patterns

Chapters within Diagnosis by Interrogation include:
Introduction
Pain
Food and Taste
Stools and Urine
Thirst and Drink
Energy Levels
Head
Face
Throat and Neck
Body
Chest and Abdomen
Limbs
Sleep
Sweating
Ears and Eyes
Feeling of Cold, Feeling of Heat and Fever
Mental-Emotional Symptoms
Sexual Symptoms
Women's Symptoms
Children's Symptoms
Diagnosing the Causes of Disease

Diagnosis by Palapation includes chapters on:
Pulse Diagnosis
Pulse Qualities
Palpation of Parts of the Body
Palpation of Channels

Diagnosis by Hearing and Smelling includes:
Diagnosis by Hearing
Diagnosis by Smelling

Symptoms and Signs includes a section on general symptoms and signs containing chapters on:
Head, Hair and Face
Face Color
Nose
Throat
Mouth, Tongue, Teeth, Gums, Lips, Palate and Philtrum
Eyes
Neck, Shoulder and Upper Back
Chest
Limbs
Arms
Legs
Lower Back
Body
Digestive System and Taste
Thirst and Drink
Abdomen
Defecation
Urination
Anus
Men's Sexual and Genital Symptoms
Sweating
Skin Signs
Emotional Symptoms
Mental and Emotional Symptoms
Mental Difficulties
Feeling of Cold, Feeling of Heat and Fever
Voice, Speech and Sounds

Symptoms and Signs includes a section on gynecological symptoms and signs containing chapters on:
Menstrual Symptoms
Problems at Period Time
Problems During Pregnancy
Problems after Childbirth
Breast Signs
Miscellaneous Gynecological Symptoms

Symptoms and Signs includes a section on pediatric symptoms and signs containing a chapter on Children's Problems

The first section of Part 6 covers Identification of Patterns according to the Internal Organs with chapters for each of the internal organs.

The second section of Part 6 covers Identification of Patterns according to qi, blood, yin and yang.

The third section of Part 6 covers Identification of Patterns according to pathogenic factors, four levels, six stages and three burners. It is presented as the following chapters:
Identification of Patterns According to Pathogenic Factors
Identification of Patterns According to the Four Levels
Identification of Patterns According to the Three Burners
Residual Pathogenic Factor

The fourth section of Part 6 continues coverage of Pattern Identification with chapters on the Eight Principles, Twelve Channels, Eight Extraordinary Vessels, and Five Elements.